A seemingly small act at New York’s JFK Airport has sent a chilling message about the state of political hostility in Bangladesh and its implications for the country’s democratic future.

On Tuesday, as Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus arrived in New York with his official delegation to attend the 80th UN General Assembly, an Awami League (AL) supporter hurled an egg at National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders Akhter Hossen and Dr. Tasnim Jara. Both figures were central to the July 2024 uprising that forced former Prime Minister and AL president Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.

The incident, while minor in physical consequence, symbolises a deepening trend of political aggression, reflecting a culture in which intimidation and symbolic violence are increasingly normalised. Analysts warn that unchecked hostility such as this not only undermines civility but can erode the very foundations of democratic practice, turning political participation into a battleground and jeopardising the stability required for governance and national growth.

The attack was immediately mirrored by retaliatory action in Bangladesh. A group of youth, aligned with the NCP and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, hurled eggs at the home of a US-based AL leader, Zahid Hasan, from Naria upazila in Shariatpur. Zahid, who serves as science and technology secretary of the US AL chapter, had participated in pro-AL protests surrounding the chief adviser’s visit. Police intervened to disperse the crowd.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir who was accompanied Chief advisor Dr Yunus condemned the New York airport incident via social media, accusing the Awami League of demonstrating once again that it feels “no remorse for its wrongdoings.” Eyewitnesses identified local AL leader Mizanur Rahman as the individual responsible for throwing the eggs at Akhter Hossen.

The interim government expressed deep regret over the incident, calling it “a targeted and politically motivated assault” orchestrated by affiliates of the ousted regime. A statement from the chief adviser’s press wing described the attack as a “painful reminder of the toxic and violent political culture that flourished under Hasina’s regime—a legacy the interim government is committed to dismantling to build a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh.”

Security measures for the chief adviser’s delegation had been arranged in advance, including VVIP access at JFK Airport. However, last-minute visa and procedural issues forced the political leaders to exit through a regular passenger route, exposing them to risk. Following the attack, coordination with New York law enforcement ensured swift action, and Mizanur Rahman was arrested.

The incident has sparked sharp criticism of the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for failing to guarantee the safety of political leaders abroad. NCP convener Nahid Islam demanded immediate investigation and disciplinary action against officials responsible for lapses in security. At an emergency press conference in Dhaka, he accused the Awami League of systematically targeting leaders of the July uprising, both domestically and internationally.

“These attacks are not isolated,” Nahid Islam said. “They form part of a continuous campaign of intimidation and fascist activities by the Awami League. Those allies of fascism still embedded in government must be removed and held accountable.” The NCP also called for the resignation of the New York Consul General and a transparent investigation into all attacks on its leaders abroad.

Ultimately, the New York incident is a stark reminder that the politics of hate is not an abstract concept but a concrete barrier to Bangladesh’s democratic and developmental aspirations.

The incident underscores a broader concern: the politics of hate is not merely a domestic problem. When partisan aggression reaches international soil, it tarnishes Bangladesh’s image as a stable, growth-oriented democracy. The country has been projecting itself as a development success story, drawing foreign investment and diplomatic goodwill. Yet acts of politically motivated violence, particularly against figures associated with democratic reform, threaten that narrative and could undermine investor confidence, international cooperation, and the long-term prospects for democratic consolidation.

Bangladesh’s political culture has historically swung between moments of reform and entrenched hostility. The July uprising of 2024 and the peaceful transition of the interim government represent a critical window for establishing democratic norms, fostering political inclusion, and promoting accountability. However, as the New York egg-throwing incident illustrates, old patterns of aggression persist, with the potential to destabilise both domestic and international perceptions of the nation.

The implications extend beyond immediate security concerns. If political violence continues, it could discourage active participation in governance, alienate youth from democratic processes, and obstruct reforms essential for sustainable growth. As political scientist Dr. Saeed Ahmed notes, “A democracy that tolerates intimidation cannot fully harness the potential of its citizens or achieve meaningful development. Political civility is as critical to economic progress as fiscal policy or infrastructure investment.”

In practical terms, the incident revealed gaps in protocol and coordination. While the chief adviser’s security was prioritised, accompanying political leaders were left exposed due to visa restrictions and airport procedures. This procedural lapse, compounded by the presence of hostile protesters, highlights the need for robust, depoliticised security arrangements for all political actors—both at home and abroad.

The episode also sparked mobilisation among NCP supporters across Bangladesh. Demonstration marches were organised in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area and planned nationwide in districts and metropolitan areas. The party vows to pursue legal accountability for the perpetrators and the government officials who failed in their duties.

Ultimately, the New York incident is a stark reminder that the politics of hate is not an abstract concept but a concrete barrier to Bangladesh’s democratic and developmental aspirations. For the country to achieve its vision of inclusive growth and international credibility, political actors must prioritise dialogue over intimidation, accountability over impunity, and democratic norms over partisan vendettas.

The challenge ahead for Bangladesh is to break the cycle of political hostility and demonstrate that democracy can be both participatory and peaceful. The world is watching, and the stakes are high: how political leaders respond to incidents like the New York egg attack will shape not only domestic governance but also Bangladesh’s trajectory on the global stage.

( The writer is the Editor of THE BANGLADESH EXPRESS and Chairman of BJFCI. He may be reached at [email protected]).