The Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Mohammad Yunus, experienced a series of unfortunate events during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. The trip began with an egg attack on his team upon their arrival. Following this incident, Muslim nations appear to have sidelined Bangladesh. Adding to the challenges, Yunus failed to secure meetings with any prominent leaders during his three-day stay in New York.
Yunus took the helm of Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s departure in August 2024. He arrived at the UN meeting as Bangladesh’s representative, leading a delegation of Bangladeshi politicians.
On Monday, September 22nd, Yunus and his delegation were greeted with an egg attack by supporters of Sheikh Hasina. Yunus’s car was also impeded. The police response was reportedly lenient, as the individuals apprehended were released within 24 hours.
This marked the first instance of such a public protest against Yunus in the United States, taking place while leaders from 193 countries were in New York for the UN meeting.
Despite his position as the executive head of Bangladesh, Yunus has not managed to meet with any major leaders in the past three days. His engagements have been limited to minor figures and officials. He has met with the Mayor of Paris and the American Ambassador. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister has engaged in discussions with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey. Shehbaz Sharif also held a meeting with Donald Trump.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has remained silent on the reasons behind Yunus’s inability to conduct bilateral talks with influential leaders.
Two major meetings involving Muslim leaders were conducted in New York. One meeting centered on Gaza, and the other on Kashmir. The Gaza meeting included participation from Middle Eastern Muslim countries and Pakistan. The Kashmir meeting brought together leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Niger, and Azerbaijan.
Bangladesh was notably absent from both meetings. Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim nation. Since Sheikh Hasina’s exit, Yunus’s stance seems to be leaning towards Pakistan.