Leaders and activists of the US chapter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the politically banned Awami League engaged in counter-rallies and chanted slogans after taking up positions opposite each other in front of the hotel in New York where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is staying.
Political tension erupted on the main street right outside the hotel accommodating Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in New York to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Continuing their demonstrations from the past two days, leaders and activists of the BNP and its associate wings gathered in front of the hotel on Wednesday evening (September 23, local time) to stage rallies and chant slogans in support of the government.
Simultaneously, taking position on the opposite side of the street, members of the politically banned Awami League staged a demonstration for the first time in front of the hotel.
The sudden confrontation and exchange of counter-slogans between the two opposing groups triggered intense tension across the Manhattan area within moments.
To prevent the situation from deteriorating into an untoward incident, additional police forces were swiftly deployed, and security measures were reinforced.
The overall situation was brought completely under control shortly after law enforcement maintained a strong presence, prompting the Awami League activists to leave the scene.
Earlier on Sunday, a scuffle broke out between supporters of both parties over welcoming the Prime Minister at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights—a major hub for Bangladeshi expatriates—requiring over 50 riot police officers to control the situation.
This will mark Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s maiden address to the UN General Assembly as head of government, scheduled to take place today, Thursday (September 24).
