Bangladesh has requested the US government to provide additional security for Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and his delegation during their stay in New York from 22 to 30 September.
The request follows recent incidents in which Awami League activists attempted to harass Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam in both New York and London.
Dhaka has made the request in a note verbale sent to the US State Department. In response, Washington assured that the Diplomatic Security Service and relevant authorities in New York would make the necessary arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Consulate in New York has hired private armed guards and bouncers to ensure Yunus’s safety when he attends a community programme next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
A senior official at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We had some bad experiences in New York and London. We are taking precautions regarding the delegation’s security. A note verbale was sent to the State Department, requesting protection for the advisers and others.”
“The State Department has informed us that the Diplomatic Security Service and local authorities in New York will ensure appropriate arrangements for their security,” he added.
Meanwhile, confirming the security arrangements, a senior consulate official, requesting anonymity, said: “The chief adviser is scheduled to attend the NRB Connect community programme next week at the Marriott Hotel. We have arranged armed guards and bouncers to ensure his protection.”
He added that New York police had also been notified and assured the consulate of additional support if required.
Yunus is expected to arrive in New York on 22 September to attend the 80th UNGA. He is scheduled to deliver his second speech at the assembly on 26 September and leave the city on 30 September.
Mahfuj Alam incident
On 24 August, several Awami League activists allegedly harassed Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam and damaged property at the Bangladesh Consulate building in New York.
The consulate informed local police, who detained several activists. The US State Department later notified the Bangladesh embassy that charges would be brought against those involved.
A consulate officer said the US administration had taken the matter seriously.
Politicians in chief adviser’s entourage
Four politicians would accompany the chief adviser during his visit to New York. They are BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Akhter Hossen.
Experts are of the view that the chief adviser would show the domestic and international audience that the interim government and the chief adviser enjoy broad political support, leading to the 13th national election in February.
Former ambassador Md Sufiur Rahman said, “It is very natural to have differences of views among political forces in Bangladesh. Political leaders from different parties accompanying the chief adviser might signify that although they have divergences, they have a great deal of convergences and they have some good communication and working relationships.”
He is of the view that it would also give a signal of convergence among different stakeholders in the country when reforms are being considered and negotiated to find a new way for national direction and purpose.
“Not only that it would be an opportunity for the political leaders to develop cordiality, have informal, non-structured conversations, and parleys that could be useful in minimising their present and future differences,” he said.
Another former diplomat, who declined to be named, remarked: “There are rumours about the February election, the stability of the interim government, and other uncertainties. Political leaders accompanying the chief adviser send a strong signal that he enjoys their support.”
