A peaceful rally was held on April 6 in New York’s Jackson Heights at Diversity Plaza by the “Sylhet Division Awami Family” to protest ongoing oppression in Bangladesh. The gathering aimed to demand the resignation of Professor Yunus, who is accused of spearheading extremist activities that, according to rally speakers, are part of an international conspiracy to transform Bangladesh into a Taliban-like state.
Key Protest Points and Demands
Speakers at the rally decried acts of brutality and targeted attacks against prominent Awami League leaders and workers. The protesters highlighted incidents of home invasions, looting, and violent suppression of political dissent, including attacks on former MP Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury Nadel (Moulvibazar-2), ex-mayor Anowar Uddin Chowdhury of Sylhet City Corporation, and ex-MP Advocate Ranjit Sarkar (Sunamganj-1). Rally participants demanded an immediate end to such actions and called for a restoration of law and order with the intervention of United Nations peacekeepers.
Accusations of Conspiracy and Extremism
The rally’s speakers accused a faction, allegedly led by Professor Yunus since last July, of intentionally creating unrest to halt Bangladesh’s developmental progress. They claimed that the extremist activities are part of a broader international conspiracy to plunge the nation into chaos and authoritarian rule. Protesters voiced deep concerns over the unchecked actions of security forces, criticizing what they termed as a lack of accountability from police and military personnel.
Calls for Diaspora Action and Unity
In a telephone address during the event, former Sylhet City Corporation mayor Anowar Uddin Chowdhury urged the Bangladeshi diaspora to unite and actively work towards liberating their homeland from what he described as “oppression.” He emphasized the need for the expatriate community to mirror the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, rallying behind efforts to re-establish the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, whom many see as the key to Bangladesh’s progress and stability.
Law Enforcement and Peaceful Demonstration
Despite attempts by an unidentified individual to disrupt the peaceful proceedings—accused of claiming that gatherings in the U.S. have no rights for political assembly—the NYPD intervened promptly. Two officers arrived at the scene, instructing the agitator to disperse, ensuring that the rally maintained its non-violent nature throughout the event.
The rally, marked by passionate speeches and a series of poster displays condemning the alleged regime of oppression in Bangladesh, reflected the resolve of the diaspora community to bring international attention to their nation’s political turmoil. Supporters at the rally reiterated their commitment to work collectively until democracy and peace are restored in Bangladesh.