Scuffle, Chaos at anniversary rally for July–August mass uprising in New York

Noman Sabit: A scuffle and chase broke out between BNP activists and members of the U.S. Chhatra League and Jubo League during the anniversary celebration of the July–August Mass Uprising in New York. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon (August 3, local time) at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights during an event organized by a newly formed group called “Patriot of Bangladesh.”

As both sides took aggressive positions, police later arrived and calmed the situation. No casualties were reported.

Eyewitnesses said that in the afternoon at Jackson Heights’ Diversity Plaza, the newly formed organization Patriot of Bangladesh, together with BNP activists, organized the pre-announced anniversary celebration of the July–August Mass Uprising. Professionals, members of the conscious citizens’ society in New York, and people from various walks of life took part in the event.

At one stage, members of the U.S. Chhatra League and Jubo League suddenly appeared and began chanting “Joy Bangla” slogans, disrupting the program. Tensions flared between BNP and Chhatra/Jubo League activists, leading to a scuffle near the entrance of a grocery store called Ittyadi.

Police arrived shortly afterward to restore order. No arrests were made in connection with the incident.

When contacted, Abdul Kader of Patriot of Bangladesh and BNP activist and convener Abdus Sabur the organizers of the July–August Mass Uprising anniversary program, did not provide any comment.