Rizvi Condemns Attempt to Harass Dr Yunus at New York Airport

BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly condemned and protested the reported attempt to harass Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, former chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, United States.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (October 13), Mr. Rizvi condemned the incident. He said followers of “fascist” Sheikh Hasina had attempted to harass Dr Yunus at the airport. He described the incident as a continuation of what he called the vindictive politics and anti-national activities of the ousted Awami League.

Mr. Rizvi said he believed Dr Yunus had been targeted for taking charge as chief adviser to the interim government following the mass uprising led by students and the public in July and August 2024. According to him, such behaviour not only disrespects an individual but also damages Bangladesh’s image internationally.

The BNP leader said Dr Yunus is not only a former chief adviser to Bangladesh but also a Nobel laureate and a globally renowned figure. Such treatment of him on foreign soil is unacceptable, he added. Referring to allegations of enforced disappearances, killings and clandestine murders during the Awami League’s rule, Mr. Rizvi alleged that individuals who supported that government were still carrying out acts of vengeance at home and abroad.

Mr. Rizvi further alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s politics of vengeance continued, with her followers engaging in provocative activities both inside and outside Bangladesh and supporting various forms of terrorist activities in the country.

In his statement, Mr. Rizvi denounced the alleged disrespectful behaviour towards Dr Muhammad Yunus at JFK Airport and strongly condemned and protested the incident.