New york: The Bangladesh Consulate General in New York has formally requested legal action against certain Awami League activists following a disruptive incident on Sunday. Letters have been dispatched to the local police, the Mayor's office, and the US State Department's regional office in this regard. "Still images and video footage of their disgraceful acts have already been handed over to the police as evidence, and the authorities have assured that proper legal measures will be taken," the mission stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the incident occurred during a discussion meeting at the Consulate General, marking the first anniversary of the July-August Uprising Day on August 24. The event was attended by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuz Alam as the chief guest, along with approximately 150 guests, including Bangladeshi students and expatriates.
The Consulate had sought assistance from the New York City Police for overall preparation and security reasons. Consequently, a sufficient number of officers were deployed around the venue prior to the event. However, leaders and activists of the Awami League USA branch and affiliates gathered outside the Consulate from 5 pm with intentions to disrupt the discussion and target the chief guest.
The protesters chanted anti-government slogans, used abusive language, and obstructed invited guests from entering the venue. They escalated their actions by throwing eggs and causing damage to a nearby office's glass door. Police intervention was swift, resulting in the detention of several individuals involved in the disruption.
The Consulate's statement highlighted that Awami League supporters, carrying party flags, staged a sit-in around the Consulate until midnight, aiming to intimidate the chief guest. Despite these actions, the police maintained a visible presence to ensure security.
The Chief Guest successfully attended the event, interacted with guests, and departed without incident. "It is also important to mention that during the chief guest's arrival at and departure from the venue, there was no encounter, connection, or interaction whatsoever with the miscreants," the statement clarified.
The mission condemned the actions of the activists, describing them as accomplices of a fallen fascist regime. It noted their failure to disrupt the event and their subsequent spread of misinformation on social media. The Consulate urged the public not to be swayed by such false narratives and propaganda.