Govt condemns assault on NCP's Akhter in NY, vows to dismantle Hasina-era toxic political culture
Govt says one individual has already been apprehended, and a formal investigation into the matter is currently underway
Condemning the attack on NCP leader Akhter Hossen at New York's JFK Airport, the interim government has termed the incident a "reprehensible act", which is a stark and painful reminder of the toxic and violent political culture that flourished under Hasina's regime.
"... A legacy the interim government is firmly committed to dismantling in order to build a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh," says a statement published on the Chief Adviser's Facebook page this evening (23 September).
"The interim government of Bangladesh expresses its deep regret over the troubling incident that occurred on Monday in New York, in which BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with NCP leaders Akhter Hossen and Tasnim Jara, were subjected to a targeted and politically motivated assault."
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The attack was allegedly carried out by affiliates and supporters of the ousted autocrat, Sheikh Hasina, the statement added.
Reprehensible act is a stark and painful reminder of the toxic and violent political culture that flourished under Hasina's regime—a legacy the Interim Government is firmly committed to dismantling
It further said that in anticipation of potential security risks during the visit of the Chief Adviser and accompanying political leaders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had coordinated a series of precautionary security measures.
Upon arrival at John F Kennedy International Airport, the statement mentioned that the delegation was initially directed through a designated VVIP gate and boarded into a specially secured transportation unit.
However, due to unexpected and last-minute visa-related complications, the delegation was required to reroute and proceed through an alternative exit, it added.
"Despite a formal request made at the highest levels of the interim government for continued VVIP access and security facilitation for the political leaders, airport authorities regrettably denied the request. This lapse inadvertently exposed members of the delegation to risk," said the statement.
"Immediately following the incident, the interim government—through the Bangladesh Mission in New York—engaged with the New York Police Department to ensure a swift and lawful response. We have been informed that one individual has already been apprehended, and a formal investigation into the matter is currently underway."
As a result of this incident, the interim government said that security measures for the Chief Adviser and all members of the official delegation have been significantly reinforced.
The interim government said it remains in close and continuous coordination with US federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of its representatives abroad.
"We reiterate our unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, both at home and internationally. Acts of political violence and intimidation—whether within Bangladesh or beyond its borders—will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate legal and diplomatic responses," reads the statement.
