An Unsightly Scene: Two Factions Face Off Outside Dr. Yunus's London Hotel

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, is currently on a four-day visit to the United Kingdom. It's a familiar sight whenever a Bangladeshi head of government comes to power: one faction protests, while another offers a welcome. This trend has been ongoing for a long time. For more than two decades, the Awami League and BNP took turns in this tit-for-tat. Dr. Yunus's current visit is no exception.

Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, Professor Yunus checked into the Dorchester Hotel in Central London. From early morning, two opposing groups gathered outside the hotel, though the police were on alert and maintained order.

Expatriates not affiliated with Bangladeshi political parties have consistently urged an end to this cycle of counter-protests on foreign soil. They argue that such practices damage Bangladesh's image and reputation abroad, emphasizing that politicians should seek alternative ways to express their views.

UK Awami League's Protest

Meanwhile, a significant number of UK Awami League activists demonstrated outside Dr. Yunus's hotel in London from the morning, protesting his arrival. They displayed various satirical posters and banners featuring Dr. Yunus's image. Several former ministers and MPs, including former State Minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, along with UK Awami League leaders and activists, participated in the protest.

Syed Sajidur Rahman Faruk, general secretary of the UK Awami League, stated that they would protest wherever Dr. Yunus holds meetings.

Welcome Rally for Dr. Yunus

On the other side, activists from various organizations gathered outside the hotel from the morning to welcome Dr. Yunus. Some held banners and photos of Dr. Yunus. Many of them are associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, and like-minded parties. Individuals were also seen under the banner of the National Citizen Party (NCP) at this time. Business leader Siraj Haque, Jamaat leader Barrister Abu Bakar Molla, Barrister Saifuddin Khaled, and Khelafat Majlis leader Maulana Saleh Ahmed were present at this gathering. However, no one from the UK BNP was seen there.

In addition, a rally in support of Professor Yunus is scheduled for 5 PM local time today at Altaf Ali Park in East London, under the banner of 'Reform Bangladesh'.

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