USA Bureau

Fakhrul Alam, former general secretary of the Bangladesh Society in New York, was forced to leave the microphone due to the 'fake' slogan.

The peaceful event, which was attended by hundreds of expatriates, instantly turned into a battlefield.

However, there were no casualties. However, the aggressive threats and intimidation for about ten minutes left everyone, including the guests, in a state of confusion. The organizers requested everyone to show restraint and help in the smooth conduct of the organization's inaugural ceremony and Victory Day activities.

On Monday evening (December 16) at the swearing-in ceremony of the elected committee officers of the Bangladesh Society in an auditorium in Woodside, adjacent to Jackson Heights, former General Secretary Fakhrul Alam tried to incite everyone by mentioning the recent student-public revolution.

Many present shouted the words 'Bho'ya Bho'ya'. Some rushed towards the stage. Shocked by this sudden incident, the expatriates tried to calm everyone down.

The organizers also pleaded with the microphone to cooperate in conducting the event peacefully. But no request was working. Condemned behavior such as pushing and abusing began. In such a situation, the situation calmed down when the organizers took the microphone away from Fakhrul Alam.

Since the inauguration ceremony of the new committee (2025-2026) of this 50-year-old society was held on December 16, many also highlighted the topic of Victory Day. At least three former officials spoke about the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib while recalling the Liberation War of Bangladesh. They also presented the meaning of the 'Joy Bangla' slogan in the Liberation War of 1971. The children of a Bengali school run by this organization also paid deep respect to the 'Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib' and also spoke about the barbarity of the Pak hyena's accomplices in 1971. No reaction was observed among the audience (which was normal after the fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5).

Regardless of party affiliation, everyone was immersed in the atmosphere of Victory Day. In such a situation, General Secretary Fakhrul Alam, who served in two terms of 1999-2000 and 2003-2004, said, "Brothers, today is Victory Day, why are you so disappointed? If a beloved thing is lost, goes away from you, or if someone takes it away, then what is the pity for that beloved thing, what was the love for it, it is understandable." We have achieved three victories in three ways.' '---------A group completely destroyed our beloved thing, that democracy, the right to speak, and turned us into slaves. From there, we achieved victory. Today is a day in that victory. So let us cherish this victory. Today, let us take an oath against those who cheated us, robbed us, spoiled our fate in the past, who did not let us even come close to our rights in the past, not only that, but also destroyed our homes, put us in jail, disappeared us, killed us, tortured our women, destroyed all the rights we had. We have to take an oath against them on this day.' At that moment, the hall was raised. 'Fearful, fearful' words were heard loudly. A fierce protest began. Many people left their seats and rushed to the stage to stop Fakhrul Alam. Seeing the situation getting worse, the elected president Ataur Rahman Selim took the microphone. He made a heartfelt appeal to those involved in the riots but did not receive a response, so the other former general secretary Mohammad Hossain Khan began to plead with folded hands on the microphone. Then the elected senior vice president Mohiuddin Dewan listed the names of some of the angry people on the microphone and made a humble request. He listed the names of Jasim, Ripon, Apu, Mamun, etc. and continued to plead with folded hands. Everything was engulfed in anger. Screaming and shouting continued. At this time, another official said on the microphone, this is not a program of any political party.

This is a program of Bangladesh Society. This is a social organization. No political speeches will be made here, nor will they be allowed. Please everyone sit in their respective seats calmly. We have all come here to unite. This is not a political platform.

Sports and Entertainment Secretary of the outgoing committee Mainuddin Mahbub said, many elected representatives including the Mayor of New York City are coming. Please sit in your respective seats to respect these guests. We do not like to quarrel. We do not like the way we live in this civilized society and fight. This is a program of Bangladesh Society. The city mayor is coming in 5 minutes. Please sit down. Please, I apologize. After knowing that the mayor has arrived, everyone calmed down and the program resumed. It is worth noting that Fakhrul Alam is a member of the JSD family. His statement was disrespectful in this forum. Because the members of Bangladesh Society include supporters of all parties including BNP, Awami League, Jamaat-e-Islami, JSD, Liberal Party, and BSD. The programs of this organization, established in 1975, always avoid the political divisions of Bangladesh for the overall welfare of the community.

It is worth noting that this election was held on October 27 with the participation of more than 18,000 voters. The 'Selim-Ali Panel' won the full panel. Such an unexpected situation at the oath-taking ceremony of the winners of that panel shocked everyone. It is believed that everyone returned home satisfied with the presence of City Mayor Eric Adams and his commitment to continue his cooperation for the overall welfare of the community.

Referring to the unpleasant situation that occurred in the morning, the City Mayor said in his speech, "We must remain united in this multi-ethnic society."