Protests greet Muhammad Yunus in London; lawyers prepare to refer him to ICC

LONDON: Protests greeted Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus outside his hotel Tuesday morning. Hundreds of British Bangladeshis who are members of the UK branch of Awami league and associated organisations gathered outside the Dorchester in Mayfair and called for him to "go back", accusing his administration of human rights violations, lynchings, killings, and deteriorating law and order in Bangladesh.

Protesters held placards that accused him of being the "architect of mob rule, freeing jihadists and jailing patriots" and demanded his resignation.

An Awami League politician who fled to India as false cases were registered against him and his house was burnt down after Yunus's caretaker govt came to office was at the protest site. He told TOI: "We are protesting against the illegitimate, unconstitutional govt of Bangladesh.

We want free, fair and inclusive elections that include Awami League. We are not allowed to protest in Bangladesh... Millions of people with Awami League are internally displaced and many face false cases.

"While Yunus is in London to receive the harmony award from King Charles, top lawyers, including Steven Powles KC, have been engaged to prepare a communication to the International Criminal Court to refer the Yunus govt for crimes against humanity.