The interim government has expressed deep concern and regret over the targeted attack on political leaders accompanying the chief advisor of the Bangladesh interim government, who were visiting the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Monday (September 23, 2025).
The statement said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Joint Member Secretary Tasneem Zara were attacked at the airport. The government claimed that the attack was carried out by associates and supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The interim government believes that this condemnable incident has revealed a tragic picture of the “destructive and violent political culture” that developed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The government also reiterated its commitment to building a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.
The statement further said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken various precautionary measures in view of the potential security risks during the visit. Initially, the delegation was taken through a specific VVIP gate, but last-minute visa complications forced them to take an alternative route, creating a security risk.
It has been alleged that the airport authorities failed to provide VVIP access and security facilities despite formal requests from the highest levels of the interim government.
Immediately after the incident, the Bangladesh Mission in New York contacted the New York Police Department to ensure legal action. The government claims that one person has already been arrested and a formal investigation into the incident is underway.
The government said that security arrangements for the chief advisor and members of the delegation have been significantly strengthened following the incident. Round-the-clock coordination is being maintained with the US federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of Bangladeshi representatives abroad.
In the final part of the statement, the interim government reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, saying that incidents of political violence and intimidation, whether inside or outside the country, will not be tolerated. Appropriate legal and diplomatic measures will be taken in such incidents.
