Supporters of Bangladesh’s two major political parties, the Awami League and the BNP, clashed outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday afternoon (local time), during the ongoing UN General Assembly.
The incident occurred despite tight security by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Witnesses say the altercation broke out between rival groups of Bangladeshi expatriates demonstrating under their respective party banners.
A video clip sent by Elias Khan, advisory editor of Daily Times of Bangladesh, shows large gatherings of Bangladeshi expatriates outside the UN premises, many waving national flags and holding placards. Tensions escalated when both groups came face to face, resulting in shoving, verbal abuse, and eventually physical scuffles.
In the footage, several individuals can be seen using placards to strike opponents, while chaos erupted with shouting and chase scenes. NYPD officers swiftly intervened and dispersed the groups, bringing the situation under control.
The video footage of the clash has already sparked a wave of strong criticism and condemnation from netizens in the comment sections. Many have expressed concern that such incidents are damaging Bangladesh’s image abroad.
This is not the first political disturbance during the visit. Earlier this week, Akhter Hossen, a member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and member of the Chief Adviser’s UNGA delegation, was reportedly attacked with eggs and harassed by Awami League supporters.
The incident sparked strong condemnation from various quarters both in Bangladesh and abroad. Akhter Hossen has since filed a legal complaint against the local Awami League activists involved.
