Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has strongly condemned the virulent harassment of Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus at New York’s JFK International Airport allegedly by associates of “Awami fascists.”

In a statement on Tuesday, he described the incident and the use of offensive and indecent language as unacceptable and highly reprehensible.

Taher, also Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, said that harassing Dr Yunus, who is respected by people around the world, had humiliated not only the citizens of Bangladesh but also the country itself on the international stage.

He said that such reprehensible conduct against a respected Bangladeshi figures on foreign soil was inappropriate and undermined the country’s dignity and reputation internationally. He urged everyone to refrain from such behaviour.

He further alleged that, after being ousted from power and leaving the country, the “fallen Awami fascist regime” continued conspiring against Bangladesh and its people from abroad.

He claimed that these activities were jeopardizing the safety of expatriate Bangladeshis and patriotic citizens visiting foreign countries.

Taher expressed confidence that, with God’s blessing, peace-loving citizens of Bangladesh, including expatriates, would resist all such alleged conspiracies and continue working for the country’s welfare. He also urged officials at Bangladesh’s embassies and high commissions abroad to take responsible and courageous steps in this regard.