Pune: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti Demands Withdrawal of ‘Person of the Year’ Award Presented to Mohammad Yunus
Pune, 16th December 2024: The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has called for the immediate withdrawal of the ‘Person of the Year’ award, presented in 2007 by the Sakal Group to Dr. Mohammad Yunus. The award was handed over by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar, who was the Union Agriculture Minister at the time.
This demand follows allegations of widespread atrocities against minority communities in Bangladesh under Dr. Yunus’s leadership. After the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Dr. Yunus assumed power, but his tenure has been marred by a reported rise in attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minority groups. Reports cite incidents of murders, lootings, sexual violence, forced displacements, and the destruction of temples, causing outrage across India and sparking protests by the Hindu community.
“Dr. Mohammad Yunus has failed to provide a safe environment for minority communities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus. This silence and inaction in the face of horrific human rights violations cannot be ignored,” the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti stated.
The organization questioned the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) on its stance regarding the atrocities in Bangladesh. “While the NCP advocates for the rights of minorities in Maharashtra, why does it not express the same concern for the Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and other minorities in Bangladesh? Don’t they deserve the right to live with dignity, just as minorities do in India?” the Samiti asked.
The group has also pointed out the contradiction between the principles of human rights and the recognition given to Dr. Yunus. “The increasing atrocities under his tenure stand in stark contrast to the values of humanity and justice. It is baffling that such a figure was honored as ‘Person of the Year,’ and we urge the Sakal Group and NCP to take immediate action to revoke this award,” the statement added.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti further called on Sharad Pawar and his party to clarify their position on the issue and take steps to address the ongoing violence and violations against minorities in Bangladesh.
