Protest at Bangladesh Consulate in New York Remains Peaceful, Police Say

A protest outside the Bangladesh Consulate in New York on 24 August, organised to oppose the visit of Interim Government’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam, was deemed by police to be largely peaceful despite minor clashes.

Leaders and members of the U.S. Awami League and affiliated groups staged the demonstration, which saw heated exchanges and some shoving with student coordinators who had participated in the July uprising. During the protest, a glass door at the main entrance of the consulate building cracked after being pushed, but police intervention quickly restored order.

A New York Police Department source confirmed that the incident was part of a protest and no major violent event occurred. The consulate has filed a complaint, which is currently under investigation.

Bangladesh Consul General in New York, Mohammad Mozammel Haque, said the matter has been reported to the International Affairs Commissioner at the Mayor’s Office, who has promised appropriate action. Meanwhile, police continue their inquiry into the incident.

Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, president of the U.S. Awami League, insisted that no attack took place. “We conducted a peaceful demonstration. Any conflict arose only because certain student coordinators approached us and engaged in arguments. The police were present throughout; if there had been any violence, arrests would have been made,” he said.

Dr. Rahman also accused the Consul General of spreading false claims to protect his position. “The consulate shares its building with other tenants. Our protest was conducted lawfully and is part of our fundamental rights,” he added.