Staff Reporter:The Jackson Heights area, known as the business hub of Bangladeshis, has been heated by the clashes between Awami League and BNP leaders and activists, including two groups of Awami League, in New York, USA. As a result of various gatherings from afternoon to midnight, it is causing huge loss to the business establishment. Expatriate Bangladeshis have become frightened by the clashes. The New York police are desperate to handle such activities of Bangladeshis.
A group called the United States Awami Family held a press conference at the Nabanno Party Center in Jackson Heights, Bangladesh, last Saturday (September 18) at 4pm. But just before the start of the press conference, a heated argument broke out between Darud Mia Ronel and Kaikobad Khan over the authority of the event and who would sit on the stage. This is the first unpleasant incident on Saturday.
On Saturday (September 18) at around 8:30 pm at the Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, about 10/15 New York State BNP workers, including BNP leaders Gias Ahmed and Maulana Atiqur Rahman, organized a rally wherever Hasina was part of the protest program. On the other hand, the leaders and activists of the United States Awami League, who took a stand, tried to obstruct their rally. A number of leaders and activists led by Siddiqur Rahman, former president of the United States Awami League, rushed to them to disrupt the BNP rally. Both teams clashed with each other in a confrontational position. There were clashes between the two with counter-abuse. The members of both the parties were shocked to hear the news of the arrival of the police.
While the New York Metropolitan Awami League set up a temporary office at 73 Street, the United States BNP set up a temporary office at 37 Avenue nearby. But there was a problem with the establishment of BNP office. When the supporters of the United States Awami League prevented the establishment of the office, a fierce fight started. Clashes broke out between Awami League and BNP supporters at 73rd Street and 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights around 10pm on Saturday.
The clashes between the two sides continued for a long time. Several people on both sides were injured. New York police took a stand between the two sides to bring the situation under control. The tension between the Awami League and BNP supporters lasted for about an hour. The situation calmed down after the police forced the two sides to leave the area.
BP/SM
