Bangladesh’s former interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus faced a heated confrontation with a group of Bangladeshi expatriates at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York on October 12. A video circulating on social media shows a man confronting Yunus, accusing him of undermining democracy in Bangladesh and questioning why he had come to the United States. The incident attracted attention after the man repeatedly called Yunus a “terrorist.” .
Man Accuses Yunus of Destroying Democracy
In the video, the man can be heard shouting, “You are a terrorist. Why did you come here? You have destroyed democracy in my country.” Several people gathered around Yunus as he was being escorted through the airport. The protesters also accused him of being responsible for deaths and mass arrests in Bangladesh during his tenure as the head of the interim administration.
One protester alleged that thousands of police personnel had been killed and approximately 200,000 people arrested. These figures were allegations made during the confrontation and have not been independently verified in connection with the incident.
Security Personnel Escort Yunus Away
According to reports, Yunus arrived at JFK Airport from Doha on a Qatar Airways flight on Monday. He was seen seated in a wheelchair as security personnel and associates accompanied him through the airport. The protesters continued shouting accusations as he moved forward. Yunus did not respond publicly during the confrontation, and security personnel escorted him away from the group.
The identities and affiliations of everyone involved were not independently confirmed in all reports. No immediate response from Yunus or his representatives regarding the incident was reported.
Political Tensions Continue Over Yunus’s Tenure
Yunus led Bangladesh’s interim government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left office in August 2024 following widespread protests. His administration faced criticism over political stability, law and order, and the direction of the country’s democratic institutions.
The airport confrontation highlights the continuing political divisions surrounding Bangladesh’s recent transition. However, the accusations made by protesters should be distinguished from independently verified findings, and the full circumstances behind the incident remain unclear.