By Shibbir Ahmed, United Nations, New York:
A large protest rally was held in front of the United Nations on April 20, where demonstrators strongly condemned the reported ban on the Awami League in Bangladesh and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Protesters warned that if the decision is not reversed, a strong আন্দোলন (movement) would be launched from the United States to overthrow the Jamaat-BNP-led government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

The main organizer of the program, Dr. Pradip Kar, an advisor to the United States Awami League and a freedom fighter, also called for intervention from President Donald Trump and the United Nations to address the rise of militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh.

Among those who spoke at the rally were leaders and activists from various affiliated organizations, including the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Mohila Awami League. Key speakers included Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Abdus Samad Azad, Dr. Masudul Hasan, Abul Hasib Mamun, Abdur Rahim Badsha, Rafiqul Rahman, Imdad Chowdhury, Shaheen Azmal, Mohiuddin Dewan, Sheikh Atik, M.A. Karim Jahangir, Hakikul Islam Khokon, Advocate Shah Bakhtiar, Solaiman Ali, Sakhawat Ali, Advocate Rokibuddin Dulal, Advocate Morsheda Zaman, Rumana Akter, Baker Bhuiyan, Jalal Uddin Jalil, Tarek ul Haider Chowdhury, Sheikh Jamal, Jewel Ahmed, Shahidul Islam, and Hriday Mia, among others.

During the rally, Dr. Pradip Kar announced a peaceful human chain demonstration to be held in front of the U.S. State Department on May 4 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, demanding the repeal of the law banning the Awami League. He also stated that a memorandum would be submitted to the U.S. Secretary of State. Additionally, a memorandum has already been submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations following the protest.

Meanwhile, the United States Awami League, along with its New York State and city units, has also announced another protest rally scheduled for April 30 at 12:00 PM in front of the State Department and the White House to oppose the passage of the law banning the Awami League.