NEW DELHI: Vinod Khosla, the Indian-American billionaire, faced severe backlash after posting a picture of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on Twitter with the caption, “Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead Bangladesh interim government. Excited as I am a big fan.” His tweet sparked outrage among users, criticizing him for ignoring the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead Bangladesh interim government. Excited as I am a big fan. https://t.co/she5tnlebz
— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) August 6, 2024
One user, @UdayEnergy, responded, “This is insanely irresponsible coming from you even before recognizing the heinous crimes committed by Islamists against Hindus. A massacre is going on and you pick to praise the incident.” Another, @Somnath92332127, wrote, “Hindus are getting attacked there. You should raise your voice for them.”
This is insanely irresponsible coming from you even before recognizing the heinous crimes committed by Islamists against Hindus. A massacre is going on and you pick to praise the incident.
— beyond overton (e/acc)^2 (@UdayEnergy) August 6, 2024
Khosla, known for his strong political opinions, recently engaged in a heated debate with Tesla CEO Elon Musk following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the US presidential elections and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Despite his vocal stance on other issues, Khosla’s celebration of Muhammad Yunus’s potential leadership while ignoring the violence in Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism.
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@sankrant tweeted, “When you don’t speak a word on the ongoing Hindu genocide in Bangladesh. But legitimize a coup. What makes you so devoid of basic morality? ‘Liberalism’ where Hindus are made to be slaughtered?” Another user, @earned_given, added, “Khosla, where are your ancestors from? Were they Hindu? Are you celebrating the killing of thousands of innocent Hindus? Does a billion in account make you forget your ancestors and their religion? You should be ashamed of your existence.”
When you don’t speak a word on the ongoing Hindu genocide in Bangladesh.
But legitimize a coup.
What makes you so devoid of basic morality? “Liberalism” where Hindus are made to be slaughtered? https://t.co/mhx8nyWycz
— Sankrant Sanu सानु संक्रान्त ਸੰਕ੍ਰਾਂਤ ਸਾਨੁ (@sankrant) August 7, 2024
The political situation in Bangladesh remains fragile. Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister, fled to India after massive protests against her government. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, stated on Wednesday that Hasina would remain in Delhi “for a little while.” The protests, which began with students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs, have expanded into larger anti-government demonstrations. Sheikh Hasina announced her resignation on August 5, amid mounting protests.
Khosla’s endorsement of Yunus and silence on the violence against Hindus have added fuel to an already heated discourse, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.