New York, Sept 23 (V7N) – Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed grave concern and strong condemnation over the attack on senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizens Party (NCP) in New York. The incident occurred on Monday, targeting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, NCP leader Akhtar Hossain, and activist Tasnim Zara.

In an official statement issued Tuesday, the government described the assault as a “politically motivated attack,” alleging that it was carried out by close associates and supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The statement further called the incident a manifestation of the “violent political culture established during Sheikh Hasina’s rule,” emphasizing that such acts obstruct efforts to build a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh.

According to the statement, the interim government had arranged security measures for its delegation in advance, including access through the VVIP gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport and secure transport facilities. However, due to last-minute visa complications, the delegation was forced to leave through an alternative route, which was not part of the original security plan.

The government alleged that despite repeated requests, airport authorities failed to uphold the agreed VVIP protocol, leaving the delegation exposed to unforeseen risks. Following the incident, the Bangladesh Mission in New York immediately engaged with local law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of one suspect. A full-scale investigation is now underway.

The statement added that the security of the Chief Adviser and other members of the delegation has since been reinforced, with close coordination between U.S. federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The interim government warned that political violence or intimidation, whether at home or abroad, would not be tolerated. It vowed that all such incidents would be met with firm legal and diplomatic action.

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