A large protest erupted outside the hotel where Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, is staying while attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. Demonstrators gathered to express their opposition to Yunus, voicing concerns about his government's alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

Protesters voiced their discontent, with Dr. Rahman stating, "I am here to protest against this illegal, unelected person representing 117 million people of Bangladesh. He is not elected; he has been appointed by students. He doesn't care about minorities or anyone else. He has illegally occupied the country." Another protester, DM Ronald, emphasized their belief in a secular democracy and condemned Yunus’s rise to power, claiming it led to violence against various religious groups. "Our people are not safe in Bangladesh," he added.

Yunus arrived in New York on Monday night to attend the UNGA session, facing significant backlash during his first international trip since taking office on August 8 after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government amid a student-led uprising.

On Tuesday, he is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations, as no U.S. president has met with a Bangladeshi leader in recent decades. This meeting is highly anticipated by Bangladeshis, especially given the U.S. commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and development in Bangladesh under the interim government. Officials stated, "As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the U.S. stands ready to support those efforts."

During his tenure, Yunus has focused on addressing the challenges facing his administration, including economic reform and revitalizing financial institutions, the judiciary, and the election commission.

In addition to meeting with President Biden, Yunus will participate in a high-level side event titled "Meet the Friends of Bangladesh" and is expected to hold discussions with various world leaders, including the Italian president, Kuwaiti crown prince, and prime ministers from the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Nepal. He will also engage with significant figures such as the President of the European Union, the U.S. Secretary of State, the UN Secretary-General, and the World Bank President.

On September 24, Yunus will attend a welcome reception hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for Heads of Delegation and commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's membership in the United Nations.

The protests in New York underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding Dr. Yunus's leadership and the prevailing concerns about minority rights and democratic governance in Bangladesh.