Former Journalist Sultana Rahman Faces Backlash in New York

A heated confrontation took place at the New York Bangladesh Press Club during a dialogue session with electronic and print media journalists at the Nabanna Party Center in Jackson Heights. The event, held on September 24, was presided over by Press Club President Monowarul Islam and moderated by General Secretary Mominul Islam Majumdar.

Tensions rose when former Dhaka journalist Sultana Rahman delivered her remarks, sparking anger among many attendees. She was confronted by several journalists from Dhaka over allegations of her closeness to the Awami League and accusations of colluding with the party in her journalistic work. The debate escalated into prolonged argument and commotion within the session.

Rahman defended herself, claiming alignment with the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and said, “If believing in the Liberation War’s ideals makes someone call me a fascist, I am proud to be called one.” She described facing verbal harassment during the event and expressed concern that if freedom of speech is so constrained in New York, the situation in Bangladesh regarding expression is likely far more restricted.