BNP condemns alleged harassment of Prof Muhammad Yunus at New York’s JFK airport

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly condemned the alleged harassment of Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus by activists of the banned Awami League at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (October 14), Rizvi alleged that supporters of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had attempted to harass Yunus, who previously served as chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government. He said the incident reflected the Awami League’s alleged lack of remorse and its continued engagement in what he described as anti-national activities.

Rizvi claimed Yunus was targeted because he assumed leadership of the interim government following the mass uprising of July-August 2024. Describing Yunus as a Nobel laureate and an internationally respected figure, the BNP leader said the alleged incident at JFK airport had damaged Bangladesh’s reputation on the global stage.

Referring to allegations of enforced disappearances, killings and secret assassinations during the Awami League’s tenure, Rizvi claimed that associates of the ousted government remained active both inside and outside Bangladesh.

He further alleged that Hasina was pursuing a politics of revenge by provoking her supporters and encouraging terrorist activities in the country.

Rizvi reiterated the BNP’s strong condemnation of and protest against the alleged harassment of Yunus.