Egging of Akhter in NY: NCP slams govt for security lapses, holds foreign ministry accountable for 'info leak'
The NCP chief alleged that their party members in New York had been misled and were not guided through the designated exit gate
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has criticised the interim government, accusing it of failing to provide adequate security and of leaking sensitive information that led to the egg attack on NCP leader Akhter Hossen at New York's JFK Airport.
"This attack is a continuation of the assault on the NCP rally in Gopalganj and the attacks on Adviser Mahfuj Alam abroad. Yet the government has taken no effective action," he said at a press conference this afternoon (23 September).
Awami League supporters threw eggs at NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen in New York, while he, along with the party's Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, was leaving John F Kennedy International Airport with BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders yesterday (22 September).
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Announcing the NCP's next steps, Nahid said the party will meet with the foreign adviser to demand accountability. He also questioned controversial appointments within the foreign ministry and demanded the resignation of the consulate general in New York.
He alleged, "Sensitive information was leaked from within the administration, and the egging incident took place due to negligence on the part of the foreign ministry."
Nahid emphasised that since political leaders are attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the invitation of the chief adviser, the government and its agencies bear direct responsibility for the incident.
"This is not an isolated incident. Fascist allies are repeatedly exploiting the weakness of the justice system to launch such attacks," he said.
The NCP chief alleged that their party members in New York had been misled and were not guided through the designated exit gate.
"Because of this deliberate misinformation, fascist supporters seized the opportunity to attack. Someone responsible for protocol leaked the information. We demand justice through a proper investigation," he said.
He added that incidents, both large and small, are occurring inside and outside the country.
"The government must identify the fascist collaborators within the administration and bring them to justice," he said.
Furthermore, he said the NCP will submit an application seeking to prosecute the Awami League in the International Crimes Tribunal.
Nationwide protest announced
In protest against the egging and assault incident in New York, Nahid announced that the NCP will hold a march at Shahbagh organised by its Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units.
Demonstrations will also be held across districts and upazilas nationwide.
