Bangladesh consulate in New York seeks US action against Awami League activists

The Bangladesh Consulate General in New York has sought action from the US State Department, local police and the city's mayor against activists of the Awami League's US chapter, accusing them of violent attempts to disrupt an event marking the first anniversary of the July uprising.

In a statement issued on Monday (local time), the consulate said it organised a discussion at its premises on August 24 to commemorate the July-August Mass Uprising Day.

Mahfuj Alam, adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, attended the event as chief guest. Around 150 guests, including students and members of the Bangladeshi community, were present, it said.

At the consulate's request, New York City Police deployed officers for security. From 5:00pm, leaders and activists of the US Awami League and its affiliate bodies gathered outside, shouting anti-government slogans and using abusive language.

"They chased invited guests, obstructed them from attending the event, and even threw eggs," the statement said.

Protesters also struck the glass door of a nearby office, causing cracks. Police intervened and detained several individuals.

The consulate said photographic and video evidence of the incident had been handed over to police, who assured that legal action would follow.

The statement further said that supporters of the ousted government -- carrying Awami League flags -- remained outside the consulate until midnight, attempting to intimidate attendees. However, police ensured security, it added.

Mahfuj Alam entered and left the consulate premises on time through the designated route without any hindrance, the statement said, adding that claims of contact between the adviser and the protesters were "false propaganda".

"The accomplices of the fallen fascist regime failed to achieve their malicious objectives, and they are now spreading misinformation and propaganda on social media and other digital platforms," the consulate general said, urging the public not to be misled.