Tensions erupt, eggs thrown at Hasnat Abdullah’s London event; 3 detained

A planned event featuring National Citizen Party (NCP) leader and Member of Parliament, Hasnat Abdullah, triggered tensions in East London yesterday (15 June), with police detaining at least three people following clashes between rival groups.

According to a report by Prothom Alo, the event, organised by the NCP UK Alliance, was held at Maeda Grill Restaurant adjacent to the East London Mosque, where Hasnat Abdullah attended as the chief guest.

Supporters and activists of the UK chapter of the Awami League — whose activities have been banned in Bangladesh — staged a protest outside the venue. Crowds from both sides began gathering in increasing numbers from the afternoon, leading to heightened tensions.

Witnesses said eggs were thrown at NCP supporters and activists, prompting the deployment of more than 100 police officers to maintain order.

Amid the unrest, Hasnat Abdullah entered the venue under tight police security nearly three hours after the scheduled start time. He later left the event under police escort.

Police were seen detaining at least three individuals during the disturbances outside Maeda Grill Restaurant. Among those detained was Afsar Khan Sadeq, joint general secretary of the London Metropolitan Awami League, who was seen being escorted to a police van in handcuffs.

However, police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the detentions or any potential charges.

Earlier in the day, a separate confrontation involving Hasnat Abdullah took place at Elm Park in Romford, East London.

Video footage circulating on social media showed several individuals following Abdullah and members of his entourage while making remarks as they walked through the park. At one point, Abdullah took shelter in a nearby restaurant.

During the incident, eggs were reportedly thrown at members of his group, with footage showing NCP central joint convener Ehteshamul Haque being struck.

A verbal altercation later broke out between Haque and Shah Shamim, the office secretary of the UK Awami League, which escalated into a brief scuffle before bystanders intervened.

The NCP UK Alliance, in a statement, alleged that some Awami League activists attempted to create disorder and engage in provocative behaviour during Hasnat Abdullah's visit to Elm Park.

Describing the incident as "cowardly", the organisation said the Awami League had yet to move away from "the politics of intimidation and intolerance".

Responding to the allegations, UK Awami League Joint General Secretary and former Sylhet City Corporation mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury said the party had not organised any programme surrounding Hasnat Abdullah's visit.

However, he said students and young people in the UK may have "spontaneously protested" against the demolition of the house at Dhanmondi 32.