Sing for Hope: Dr Yunus and his daughter Monica’s covert LGBT campaign

Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus and his US citizen daughter, Monica Yunus, have come under renewed scrutiny after their promotion of LGBTQ rights through a US-based nonprofit, Sing for Hope, which Monica co-founded, surfaced recently.

Yunus is the founding board member of Sing for Hope, according to the website.

Monica was born in Chittagong in 1977 but went to live in the US when her Russian mother, Vera Forostenko, and Yunus split up. Better known as an opera singer, Monica is the spokesperson for President Biden’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

It is alleged that Yunus converted to Christianity to marry Vera while they were in the US. Yunus’ nationality is also mysterious, as he did not submit his previous passport while making a new one recently, as the chief adviser.

**Dr Yunus speaking at a programme of Sing for Hope in 2019**

A long-time friend of the Clinton family and Jewish tycoon George Soros, Dr Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 together with the controversial Grameen Bank for promoting microcredit. Critics term the prize in this category for a debated business an award for his allegiance to the US deep state.

After taking the oath as the chief adviser of the illegitimate interim government, Yunus gained the support of the radical Islamists, who are known for their strong stance against LGBT rights as well as the practice of interest in the banking system. But they have surprisingly remained mum on Yunus, apparently due to an exchange of benefits.

Analysts say the continued support Dr Yunus receives from some religious circles exposes a dangerous hypocrisy, where values are abandoned in exchange for political convenience. The public, they argue, will no longer remain silent. Exposing those pushing the country toward Western moral decline is, in their words, a necessary resistance.

Recently, social media has been abuzz with photos of Yunus and his daughter joining the LGBT Pride Month. A rainbow-coloured piano from a Sing for Hope project featured the Bangla phrase “প্রেম হলো প্রেম” (“Love is Love”)—widely interpreted as a message of solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

Critics argue that Dr Yunus’s family reflects a departure from traditional and Islamic values, as his father, Dula Mia Saudagor, was a hardcore Muslim in Chittagong, though he was also a loan shark. Dula Mia was a Muslim League leader and a jewellery businessman. He used to charge high interest on jewellery mortgages.

In 2012, Yunus publicly condemned violence and discrimination against homosexuals during a speech in Uganda, which triggered backlash and protests in several Bangladeshi cities, including calls for his execution.

Same-sex relations remain a criminal offense in Bangladesh under Section 377 of the Penal Code, punishable by life imprisonment.

Journalist Tasneem Khalil once posted on Facebook that Yunus openly supports gay rights. “Does that reflect his disdain for Islam? Why haven’t the religious leaders demanded his resignation yet?”

**Dr Yunus at the gala event of Sing for Hope in 2019**

While Yunus and Monica present themselves as advocates for human rights, critics accuse them of promoting moral decay. They argue that portraying homosexuality as “progressive” undermines societal and religious values.

Yunus and Sing for Hope

Last summer, Paris hosted the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games and welcomed the world to promote sport, culture, and education and to increase connection, well-being, and peace for all people.

According to the website, with these goals in mind, Sing for Hope is honoured to partner with Yunus Sports Hub and Yunus France on creative arts activations during the period of this global sporting event, including

Sing for Hope Pianos were created by artists including Naderson Saint Pierre and Linéda Buffa to be placed in public spaces, including Les Canaux and 360 Paris Music Factory, for anyone and everyone to play and enjoy.
Pop-up musical performances offered free of charge and open to all, centering under-represented composers and groups.

Sing for Hope Founding Board Member and Olympic Laurel Recipient Muhammad Yunus said: “I believe we have a responsibility and a built-in urge to use our creativity to help improve the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Sing for Hope does this every day, from healthcare centers to schools to the Sing for Hope Pianos on our city streets. I am inspired by this work and proud to be a part of an organisation that uses creative expression to transform lives.”