The Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is to lead an interim government in Bangladesh, urged people in the country to “refrain from all kinds of violence” after a mass uprising that has included communal attacks. Concern is rising in Bangladesh and neighbouring India over continuing violent unrest after the ousting of the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina; in particular, attacks on Hindu homes, shops and temples. In a statement, Yunus – who has agreed to requests from student leaders, the military and the president to – congratulated the “brave students who took the lead” in the protests and described the resignation of Hasina on Monday as “our second Victory Day”, after Bangladesh’s independence day in 1971.
But he warned: “Let us make the best use of our new victory. Let us not let this slip away because of our mistakes. I fervently appeal to everybody to stay calm.
Please refrain from all kinds of violence. I appeal to all students, members of all political parties and non-political people to stay calm. This is our beautiful country with lots of exciting possibilities.
” He added: “Violence is our enemy. Please don’t create more enemies. Be calm and get ready to build the country.
” Yunus, widely seen as a stabilising figure, is in France but plans to travel back to Bangladesh on Thursday. Violence against Hindus appears to have started just hours after Hasina resigned and fled the capital, Dhaka, on Monday. Images of Hindus being lynched by mob.