Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor, Mahfuz Alam, faced an attempted harassment by supporters and activists of the Awami League while entering the Bangladesh Consulate in New York on Sunday evening local time.
The incident occurred during a program organized at the Consulate to mark the anniversary of the July mass uprising. Mahfuz Alam was the chief guest at the event.
As he arrived, a group of Awami League supporters and activists gathered outside the consulate waving party flags and shouting slogans such as “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu.”
The protesters reportedly threw eggs at Mahfuz Alam and raised various slogans against him. In the commotion, the consulate building’s glass door was damaged.
Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Embassy Press Minister Golam Mortoza, who attended from Washington DC, described the protesters’ actions as “a reactionary attempt by those opposing the legacy of the July uprising, which overthrew a monarchy through the sacrifices of student leaders.”
During his speech, Mahfuz Alam expressed gratitude to expatriates for their contributions to the July movement, emphasizing that their efforts would be recognized in the official July Declaration.
He stressed that he is not affiliated with any political party and called for future governments, irrespective of party, to uphold the spirit of the July uprising, run a corruption-free and accountable state, and prioritize the nation over individual political interests.
During the open question session, some disruptions occurred around 10 PM. Responding to calls for shutting down Indian media in Bangladesh, Mahfuz Alam clarified that he does not support any bans, including on Awami League media, and advocates alternatives and dialogue instead.
The session was coordinated by New York Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque.
Outside the consulate, a group of individuals waited for Mahfuz Alam to exit. In response, the consulate requested police assistance. By midnight, under the protection of the New York Police Department (NYPD), Mahfuz Alam safely left the consulate.
Mahfuz Alam is scheduled to remain in the United States on an official visit until August 27.
