Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly condemned the attempted harassment of Advisor Mahfuz Alam by Awami League activists outside the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. In a statement, he wrote: “Freedom of expression and peaceful protest are fundamental to democracy, but they must be exercised responsibly. Violence, intimidation, and chaos are not democracy.” He said the incident reflects why Awami League’s activities have been banned in Bangladesh, as the party has repeatedly terrorized the public and resorted to destructive behavior—this time even abroad. “The right to dissent is sacred, earned through the blood and sacrifice of the martyrs of the July uprising. Protests must be conducted with dignity, not hostility,” he added.