Adviser Mahfuj attends London events amid tight security

Adviser Mahfuj attends London events amid tight security. UNB

Dhaka, Sept 13 — Amid tight security measures, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam attended two programmes in London on Friday smoothly, despite protests by a small group of Bangladeshis against his presence. 

The London Metropolitan Police remained in constant contact with the Bangladesh High Commission and assured full security for the Adviser, the Mission said on Saturday. 

Mahfuj’s first event was held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London at 4pm.  

The programme, co-organised by SOAS and the Bangladesh High Commission, marked the first anniversary of the July uprising in Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Abida Islam, was among those present at the event.

According to the High Commission, 18 supporters of the Awami League (its activities currently banned in Bangladesh) gathered outside the SOAS campus and chanted slogans.  

However, the Adviser’s car entered the venue without any untoward incident, as police had enforced strict security measures in advance at SOAS’s request. 

After officials entered the venue, some protesters threw eggs at the parked vehicle, the High Commission said. 

When the programme concluded, Adviser Mahfuj and accompanying officials left the SOAS campus in multiple vehicles.  

As two empty High Commission cars departed later, some protesters lay on the road to obstruct their passage, while others threw eggs at the vehicles. 

Police quickly removed the protesters from the scene. 

A multiple videos went viral on social media shared by the Awami League supporters.

Later in the evening, at 7:30 pm, Adviser Mahfuj attended a discussion programme at the Bangladesh High Commission in London.  

Representatives of various political parties, students and journalists were present. - UNB