Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus faced protests during his address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday. Demonstrators, primarily supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, gathered outside the UN headquarters, chanting slogans like "Yunus is Pakistani. Go back to Pakistan," accusing him of poor governance and bias.

Yunus, who assumed office after a Gen Z-led uprising ousted Hasina's 15-year rule, delivered his second speech at the UN since taking charge. His government is currently navigating the political landscape until general elections are anticipated next year. The protests reflect ongoing political tensions in Bangladesh, with critics alleging that Yunus's administration has permitted violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, and has ties to radical Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami.

In his speech, Yunus highlighted pressing global issues, including the situation in Gaza, stating, "We do agree with the UN independent international inquiry commission that we are witnessing a genocide happening live. Unfortunately, on behalf of humanity, we are not doing enough to stop it." He also expressed concern over the Rohingya crisis, urging for a political resolution in Myanmar and the integration of Rohingya people as equal citizens.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's recent upheaval, Yunus remarked, "Last year, in this august assembly, I spoke to you from a country that had just witnessed a popular uprising. I shared with you our aspirations for transformation. Today, I stand here to tell you how far we have come on that journey. Out of every 100 people on this planet, nearly three live in Bangladesh."

He emphasized the resilience of the Bangladeshi people, stating, "Our story matters because it is a reminder of the extraordinary power of ordinary people. It matters because it inspires hope among nations everywhere, that no matter how deep the crisis, no matter how impossible the solution may seem, the path to renewal is never lost."

Yunus also addressed the economic contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers, noting that 7.1 million Bangladeshis live abroad, sending back approximately USD 18 billion in remittances in 2019. He called for empathy and protection for these workers in host countries.

As he concluded his address, Yunus warned of the interconnected nature of global crises, stating, "When crisis erupts in one corner of the globe, the security of the whole world is put at risk." His remarks come amid rising concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Rohingya refugee crisis.