"I am writing this with heavy heart on 'tragic irony' of awarding Nobel Peace Prize to individuals whose legacies are now stained with violence and injustice.

West Bengal BJP Lok Sabha MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has written to the Norwegian Nobel Committee requesting them to 'reassess' the legacy of the Nobel Laureate and Bangladesh interim government head Muhammad Yunus, highlighting the "horrors" against minorities under his leadership.

Yunus is now called 'butcher of Hindus', India's ruling party lawmaker has pointed out. 

In his letter, Mahato went on to mention that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had condemned Dr Yunus, calling him the "mastermind" behind the mass killings in Bangladesh.

The Purulia MP also mentioned that the Nobel Peace Prize, a beacon of hope for humanity, is risking "losing its moral authority when awarded to figures whose actions contradict the very essence of peace and justice".

In his letter, Mahto also urged the Nobel Committee to address the "grave atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh" under Muhammad Yunus's leadership. 

Mujib memorial 

"I am writing this to you with a heavy heart, compelled to highlight the tragic irony of awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to individuals whose legacies are now stained with violence and injustice. 

This letter specifically addresses the grave atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh under the current regime led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate," Mahato's letter read.

"Dr. Yunus, hailed internationally for his work on microfinance, now stands accused of orchestrating or turning a blind eye to heinous crimes against humanity. 

Under his leadership in the interim government, the Hindu community has faced unspeakable horrors: Mass Killings and Targeted Attacks: Reports detail a chilling escalation in violence, including the destruction of homes and Hindu temples, systematic rapes, and brutal murders. 

Suppression of Religious Rights: Hindu festivals such as Durga Puja have been disrupted by intimidation, extortion (Jaziya demands), and bans on public celebrations," it further read.

"Dr. Yunus, once celebrated as a social reformer, has now been labelled by many as the "Butcher of Hindus." His administration has not only failed to protect minorities but has also indulged in anti-India rhetoric to deflect attention from its failures. 

Such actions are antithetical to the principles of peace and coexistence that the Nobel Prize seeks to uphold," Mahto's letter read.

Shrinking Biden, Vanishing Democrats

Charlie Sykes, a conservative author and broadcaster, says: “If you’re a foreign leader, you may talk to Joe Biden out of politeness but you’re going to listen to Trump out of naked self-interest.” 

Some correct and some not !

Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser, has credited Trump with bringing Israel and Lebanon to the negotiating table, although some political analysts have said there is no evidence that Trump had any direct involvement. The president-elect vowed “ALL HELL TO PAY in the Middle East” if Gaza hostages were not released before his inauguration.  

The Trump transition team issued a press release headlined: “Promises Kept – And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet.” It argued that Trump, who still has no official powers, is already securing the border, working towards international peace, propelling economic growth and dismantling “divisive, unchecked DEI”.  

Critics point out that economic indicators – including the stock market – have been trending in the right direction for a long time, while recent dramas in South Korea, Syria and Ukraine cast doubt on the notion that Trump’s “peace through strength” mantra is already paying dividends.

Even so, Trump and his team are once again proving they can sell a narrative that suits them. Reed Galen, president of JoinTheUnion.us, a pro-democracy coalition, said: “It’s a combination of Trumpian bravado, further or final dismantling of whatever processes we took for granted for too long and their instinctual and maybe even unconscious ability to occupy a vacuum when they feel one.”

'The Guardian'