A violent protest took place outside the Bangladesh Consulate in New York, where supporters of Sheikh Hasina clashed with government officials. Mahfuz Alam, who serves as an information advisor in the Yunus government, was targeted with eggs and rocks. The consulate also sustained damage.
Mahfuz Alam was escorted to a safe place amid the disturbance caused by Awami League activists. He was in the city to attend a program marking a year since the coup in Bangladesh. The attack on Mahfuz Alam was a response to a recent government directive involving Sheikh Hasina.
The government of Bangladesh has banned the dissemination of Sheikh Hasina’s messages. Media organizations that publish or broadcast her messages are also facing penalties. Mahfuz Alam is the head of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting within the Yunus government.
According to reports, Awami League supporters entered the consulate shouting slogans when Mahfuz Alam arrived for a scheduled event. They chanted ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ They initially voiced their opposition to Mahfuz’s presence, and the situation escalated.
As attempts were made to remove the protestors, they turned violent, attacking Mahfuz with stones and eggs, and then vandalizing the consulate.
Organizers sought help from the American police to manage the unrest. Mahfuz Alam was later moved from the consulate to a secure hotel. He will remain in the United States until August 27.
Ahead of the general elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, is actively campaigning. Recently, Awami League workers have been demonstrating in Dhaka and surrounding areas. They are also active in Britain.
The New York protest showcases their increased level of activity. General elections in Bangladesh are scheduled for February 2026. The Election Commission has confirmed that Sheikh Hasina’s party is eligible to participate in the elections.