Jubo League Activist Held in New York for Egg Attack

Jubo League activist Mizanur Rahman detained in New York after egg-throwing, alleged assault on 22 September 2025.

A dramatic clash unfolded in New York surrounding the arrival of Bangladesh’s interim government delegation, as police detained Awami Jubo League activist Mizanur Rahman for allegedly attacking rival activists and creating chaos at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

According to witnesses, Mizanur Rahman hurled an egg at Akhtar Hossen, the member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), when he emerged from Terminal No. 4 around 5:00 pm local time on 22 September. Hossen was part of the delegation accompanying Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who is attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The incident quickly escalated as Rahman allegedly attempted to assault a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activist with a knife, prompting a formal complaint to New York police. Witnesses said the altercation created a commotion at the airport, with supporters of different political factions hurling insults and exchanging heated slogans.

Later that evening, Awami League supporters gathered in Jackson Heights, where Rahman was seen participating in celebrations with other activists. At approximately 9:30 pm, officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) detained him on Bangladesh Street. As he was being escorted into custody, Rahman defiantly shouted the slogan “Joy Bangla,” which was echoed by surrounding Awami League activists and leaders.

NYPD sources confirmed that Rahman would remain in custody overnight and be produced before court on Tuesday (local time). He faces charges related to attempted assault and disorderly conduct.

The political tension was not limited to the airport. That evening, a permitted protest took place in front of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan, where Professor Yunus and his delegation were staying. US-based Awami League activists demonstrated against the interim government while NCP supporters rallied on the opposite side of the street. Both groups exchanged slogans, creating a highly charged atmosphere in the heart of New York City.

Akhtar Hossen, speaking after the incident, demanded accountability for the attack and urged US authorities to ensure justice. He alleged that Awami League supporters had targeted him and NCP colleagues, including senior joint member secretary Tasnim Jara, with verbal abuse and physical threats.

The incident has once again highlighted how the fierce political rivalries of Bangladesh have spilled over into expatriate communities abroad. With top political leaders, including BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also present at the airport during the commotion, the altercation drew significant attention among Bangladeshi expatriates in the US.

Authorities are expected to closely monitor future rallies linked to Bangladeshi political groups during the UNGA, amid concerns that similar clashes could erupt.