Awami League Leader Shamim Osman Appears in Public in New York’s Jackson Heights

Former lawmaker and Awami League leader Shamim Osman has appeared in public in New York after nearly two years. He attended a meeting organized by the US Awami League in Jackson Heights on Friday night, August 14, marking the 51st death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Shamim Osman also addressed party activists at the meeting.

A video of his public appearance at the political gathering has circulated on social media, triggering discussion and criticism among Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States and in Bangladesh. His alleged role during the July uprising and the ongoing legal cases against him have also come under renewed scrutiny.

The video shows Awami League supporters surrounding Shamim Osman as he got out of a car and chanting various political slogans, including “Who are you, who am I, Bengali, Bengali,” “Let the weapon of 1971 roar once again,” and “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”

Shamim Osman faces serious allegations over attacks and shootings against protesters in Narayanganj during the July-August 2024 uprising. According to prosecution allegations in a crimes against humanity case filed with the International Crimes Tribunal, charges have been brought against Shamim Osman and 11 others in connection with the deaths of six people in Chashara, Signboard in Fatullah and surrounding areas on July 19, two people near Bhuiaghar Bus Stand on July 21, and two others on August 5.

His son Imtinan Osman Ayon, nephew Azmeri Osman and several other Awami League leaders and associates have also been named as defendants in the case.

In May 2026, International Crimes Tribunal-1 framed charges against Shamim Osman and 11 others in the case involving alleged crimes against humanity committed in Narayanganj during the July uprising. The trial proceedings began in June.

During the ongoing testimony, prosecution witnesses have also accused Shamim Osman of leading armed attacks against protesters. According to the testimony of a prosecution witness before the tribunal in July, Shamim Osman, his son Ayon Osman, Azmeri Osman and other Awami League activists carried out an armed attack on protesters in the Jalkuri area of Narayanganj’s Link Road on July 19.

The same witness also described an attack by armed men allegedly led by Shamim Osman in the Chashara area on August 5.

Testimony concerning the August 5 incident further alleged that Ayon Osman shot and injured a protester named Swajan during an attack on protesters in Chashara. He was later taken to hospital but allegedly did not receive treatment and died on August 6. Testimony has also been recorded in the crimes against humanity case against Shamim Osman and the other defendants in connection with the incident.

Several murder cases were also filed against Shamim Osman in Narayanganj in August 2024. Cases over the deaths of Parvez Hossain in Bhuiaghar on July 19 and Sumaiya Akter in Painadi, Siddhirganj, on July 20 named Sheikh Hasina, Shamim Osman, Ayon Osman, Azmeri Osman and numerous others as defendants.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, there had been widespread speculation about Shamim Osman’s whereabouts. He had not been seen publicly for an extended period, leading to various claims and reports on social media about where he was staying.

His appearance at a public political event in New York has now raised fresh questions about how he was able to participate openly in a political program in the United States while facing trial over allegations linked to killings during the July uprising.