Jackson heights tense ahead of Prime Minister’s New York arrival
BNP and Awami League supporters held rival programs in Jackson Heights, New York, on Sunday night. Photo: Taken from video
Tensions emerged in Jackson Heights, a Bangladeshi dominated area of New York, ahead of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York.
BNP leaders and activists held programs to welcome the prime minister while leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities are banned in Bangladesh, voiced opposition to his visit.
On Sunday night, the situation became tense as supporters of the two sides stood near each other in Jackson Heights and exchanged slogans and statements.
Members of the New York Police Department were deployed around the area to maintain law and order. Police were seen on alert to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
While the rival demonstrations were taking place in Jackson Heights, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was on his way to the United States. He left Dhaka early Monday morning Bangladesh time.
He is visiting the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He will address the General Assembly on September 24.
This will be Tarique Rahman’s first major address at the United Nations. Earlier, his father Ziaur Rahman and mother Khaleda Zia addressed the United Nations as heads of state and government.
Political activity within the Bangladeshi community has already increased around Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York. Meetings, rallies and welcome programs are being held in various parts of New York including Jackson Heights.
As heads of state and government from various countries have started arriving in New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, the political divide within the Bangladeshi community has also become visible in Jackson Heights.
