A human chain and protest rally was held in front of the Finnish Parliament in Helsinki, denouncing genocide, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations allegedly committed by the “illegal Yunus regime” in Bangladesh.
Protesters accused Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus of perpetrating crimes against humanity targeting Awami League supporters and religious minorities after seizing power unconstitutionally.
Exiled Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina virtually joined and addressed the event, organized by the Finland branch of Bangladesh Awami League on July 31, according to a press release.
In her speech, Hasina accused Yunus of taking power on August 5, 2024, through an “international conspiracy” and blamed him for destroying livelihoods, undermining public safety, crippling the economy, and persecuting Awami League supporters and pro-Liberation forces.
She contrasted her record in office with Yunus’s alleged corruption, highlighting her government’s achievements in transforming a hunger- and poverty-stricken post-independence nation into a “Digital Bangladesh” and middle-income country, building on the foundation laid by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina also accused Yunus of embezzlement through Grameen Bank and other institutions, laundering money abroad, tax evasion, and using state power for personal financial gain at the expense of the people.
As the world’s longest-serving female head of government and the daughter of Bangabandhu, Hasina reiterated her vision of shaping Bangladesh into a Scandinavian-style welfare state, fulfilling her father’s dream.
Other leaders present included General Secretary Sakhawat Hossain, Senior Vice President Mostafa Azad Bapi, Vice Presidents Kutub Uddin Ayub and Dr. Zahirul Islam, Joint General Secretary Moktar Hossain, Office Secretary Saiful Islam Shimul, and International Affairs Secretary Hussain Muhammad Imam. Members Rony Chowdhury, Russell, Sifat, Abid, and Reza also attended.
During the protest, participants raised slogans against Yunus for crimes against humanity and betrayal of the Liberation War. In a symbolic act of condemnation, protesters threw garbage and shoes at his portrait, which had been placed inside a dustbin.
