The Interim Government of Bangladesh has expressed deep regret and strong condemnation following an incident in New York on Monday, where top Bangladeshi political leaders were reportedly assaulted in what is being described as a politically motivated attack.
It reiterated its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law, both at home and abroad. It vowed that political violence and intimidation – regardless of location – would not be tolerated and would be met with “appropriate legal and diplomatic responses.”
The assault reportedly occurred shortly after their arrival at John F Kennedy International Airport, as part of a delegation accompanying the Chief Adviser to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the Interim Government alleged that the attack was carried out by “affiliates and supporters of ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina,” branding the act as “reprehensible” and a “painful reminder of the toxic and violent political culture” that it claims had become normalised under the previous regime.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had arranged a number of precautionary measures in anticipation of potential security risks during the Chief Adviser’s visit to the US. These included routing the delegation through a VVIP gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport and assigning them to a secured transport unit.
However, a last-minute visa complication forced the delegation to exit through an alternative route, undermining the planned security protocol. The government added that, despite a formal request at the highest level to maintain VVIP arrangements, US airport authorities declined, inadvertently leaving delegation members exposed to risk.
Following the incident, the Bangladesh Mission in New York contacted the New York Police Department (NYPD). Officials confirmed that one suspect has been apprehended, and an investigation is ongoing.
In response, the government said that security for the Chief Adviser and all members of the official delegation has been significantly tightened. “We remain in close coordination with US federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of our representatives abroad,” the statement read.
