In New York, outside the Bangladesh Consulate, supporters of Sheikh Hasina staged a significant protest. The demonstrators targeted Mahfuz Alam, an information advisor in the Yunus government, with eggs and rocks. They also caused damage inside the consulate.
Following the commotion by Awami League activists, Mahfuz Alam was moved to a secure location. He was in New York to attend an event marking the anniversary of the coup in Bangladesh. The attack on Mahfuz Alam was connected to a recent decision concerning Sheikh Hasina.
The Bangladeshi government has decided to ban the broadcast of any messages from Sheikh Hasina within the country. Media groups that publish or print Hasina’s messages will also face action. Mahfuz Alam holds a key position as the head of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the Yunus government.
According to Prothom Alo, as Mahfuz Alam arrived at the consulate for the event, Awami League activists entered the building, chanting slogans. The activists shouted ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ They initially protested against Mahfuz’s presence and then began to create a disturbance.
As efforts were made to remove the activists, they escalated the situation, first attacking Mahfuz with stones and eggs, and then vandalizing the consulate.
Seeing the unrest, the organizers requested assistance from the American police. Eventually, Mahfuz Alam was rescued from the consulate and taken to a secure hotel. He is scheduled to remain in the United States until August 27.
In anticipation of the upcoming general elections, Awami League, Sheikh Hasina’s party, has become active. Recently, Awami League workers staged protests in and around Dhaka. They are also active in Britain.
Their actions in New York send a message of their increased activity. General elections in Bangladesh are planned for February 2026. The Election Commission has indicated that Sheikh Hasina’s party can participate in the elections.