Rizvi condemns alleged harassment of Yunus at New York airport
BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has condemned and protested misbehaviour towards Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, former chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, by individuals linked to the banned Awami League at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Monday.
In a statement, Rizvi said individuals associated with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had attempted to harass Yunus at the airport around 3:45pm local time.
He said the incident was an expression of revenge against Yunus for leading the interim government following the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
Rizvi said the incident had not only disrespected Yunus, a Nobel laureate and internationally recognised figure, but had also humiliated Bangladesh before the international community.
He added individuals involved in such incidents were linked to the political culture of the Awami League's tenure, during which enforced disappearances, killings and secret assassinations took place.
Rizvi further said the Awami League's supporters continued to engage in violent and anti-state activities at home and abroad, despite the party's removal from power.
He said the incident had reinforced public concerns about the continuation of the party's culture of intimidation and revenge.
Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina encourages her supporters at home and abroad and backs terrorist activities in Bangladesh.
