Muhammad Yunus, the head of the former interim government in Bangladesh, faced angry questions and accusations from a group of Bangladeshi expatriates at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York on Monday, with some calling him a “terrorist” and accusing him of killing hundreds and undermining democracy. This is the first time that Yunus, a Nobel laureate, is travelling abroad after stepping down as the Chief Advisor. There have been calls for anti-corruption probes against him and his Grameen Group.

According to some Bangladeshi media reports, the confrontation took place after Yunus arrived at Terminal 8 on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha. The footage showed people shouting at the former chief adviser as he was being taken out of the airport in a wheelchair. Some also demanded that he “go back”.

The protesters accused Yunus of being responsible for the deaths of thousands of police personnel and alleged that around two lakh people had been arrested in Bangladesh.

There was no immediate comment from Yunus or his representatives on the incident or the allegations.

YOU KILLED THOUSANDS: WHY DID EXPATS IN NEW YORK ACCUSE YUNUS?

In the video of the confrontation at the airport, a man is heard telling Muhammad Yunus, “You are a terrorist. You killed thousands of people.” The accusation appears to reflect anger over allegations of killings, political violence and a breakdown of law and order during Yunus’s tenure as head of Bangladesh’s interim government.

His interim administration also faced criticism over its handling of violence and unrest following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Political opponents blamed the government for failing to contain attacks and maintain law and order. The Awami League also alleged that its members and affiliates were targeted in violent incidents during the interim administration.

High-profile killings and episodes of unrest fuelled criticism of the administration’s ability to ensure security and deliver justice. Critics, including Hasina and relatives of political figures, accused the government of failing to respond adequately to violence.

Human rights concerns during the interim period included reported attacks on Hindu communities and places of worship, allegations of arbitrary arrests and custodial deaths, and questions about the treatment of political supporters. Rights groups also raised concerns over accountability for abuses. The nature and extent of individual incidents require careful attribution to documented investigations and reports.

Yunus’s tenure also coincided with a deterioration in India-Bangladesh relations. His March 2025 remarks in China about India’s northeastern states, along with public exchanges over minority safety and bilateral grievances, drew criticism in India. Political opponents and critics described the approach of Yunus as counterproductive public diplomacy, while New Delhi repeatedly called for restraint in rhetoric and greater attention to minority protection.

As Bangladeshi expatriates in the US shouted, “You terrorist, why are you here?”, the confrontation offered a glimpse of the anger among some Bangladeshis abroad towards Yunus, who led the country through a turbulent transition.