Nahid blames foreign ministry negligence

Screengrab shows Akhter walking away with, what appears to be, egg yolk dripping down his back as others try to shield him from attackers. Photo: Screenshot from video

The physical and verbal attacks on National Citizen Party Member Secretary Akhter Hossen and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara by Awami League supporters in New York have sparked outrage, dominating conversations at home and abroad, and across social media.

A Bangladeshi delegation, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Akhter and Jara, was accompanying Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to the 80th United Nations General Assembly. After they landed at 3:00pm (New York time) on Monday, the two NCP leaders were accosted outside JFK Airport.

Eggs were hurled at Akhter, while a torrent of sexist slurs was directed at Jara. Fakhrul was just ahead of them at the time.

Following the incident, NCP's Diaspora Alliance issued a statement demanding that the Bangladesh government file complaints with the US federal government, New York City authorities, and law enforcement, and provide maximum security for the leaders throughout the trip.

In a separate statement, the CA office expressed regret over the attack, saying it was targeted and politically motivated, alleging that Fakhrul was also assaulted. "This reprehensible act is a stark and painful reminder of the toxic and violent political culture that flourished under Hasina's regime -- a legacy the interim government is firmly committed to dismantling to build a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh."

The statement noted that precautionary security measures had been taken, adding, "Upon arrival, the delegation was directed through a designated VVIP gate and boarded into a specially secured vehicle. However, due to last-minute visa complications, they were rerouted through an alternative exit. Despite a formal request for continued VVIP access, airport authorities denied it, inadvertently exposing the delegation to risk."

The government said it immediately engaged the New York Police Department (NYPD), which has launched a formal investigation. "Security measures for the chief adviser and all members of the delegation have been significantly reinforced. The interim government remains in close coordination with US law enforcement to ensure the safety and dignity of its representatives abroad."

It reiterated that political violence and intimidation, whether at home or abroad, will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Mirza Fakhrul, on his verified Facebook page, said the attack highlighted how the Awami League remains unrepentant for its past actions. "The Awami League will face trial for all its wrongdoings."

In Dhaka, NCP activists marched from the National Museum in Shahbagh to Dhaka University's TSC yesterday afternoon, protesting the assault. At TSC, they threw eggs at a portrait of Sheikh Hasina.

At a press briefing at NCP's Bangla Motor headquarters, Convener Nahid Islam blamed the foreign ministry's negligence. "The Consulate General in New York must resign, and action must be taken against those who failed to provide security," he said, demanding a probe.

"Those who were in charge during the fascist rule haven't been completely removed from the foreign ministry. We'll demand accountability from the foreign adviser."

Holding the AL responsible, Nahid added, "They have carried out terrorist activities inside the country for long, and now their activities are spreading abroad. The Awami League is now only throwing eggs to remain relevant, but if given the opportunity in the future, they will kill thousands again.

 "The people will stand against all politicians who make such attempts …. There'll be no Awami League or Mujibist politics in Bangladesh."

After the attack, Jara wrote on social media, "This wasn't an attack on Akhter Hossen as an individual, but on his political identity. He represents the party that is constantly working to dismantle a fascist structure. This attack shows the depth of fear and frustration among the defeated forces."

Speaking to diaspora media, she said, "Since the uprising, women who entered politics have been harassed and suppressed. The people of Bangladesh have already rejected the Awami League, and through actions like these they are only making their true character clearer."

Akhter said, "I've faced Sheikh Hasina's bullets, so a few eggs will not daunt me."

A video of the assault, filmed by the attackers, shows the two leaders walking away with their trolleys, refusing to engage.

Another self-recorded video by one Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, whose Facebook bio describes him as "Executive Member, Bangladesh Awami Jubo League, Sylhet District", shows him holding up an egg and calling Akhter a "terrorist" before egging him twice. According to his Facebook posts, they had been waiting at the airport for hours before the flight landed.

Mizanur was later arrested by the NYPD.