Suspicious suitcase found near Tarique Rahman’s New York hotel, security heightened

A suspicious black suitcase found in Midtown Manhattan near the hotel where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is staying for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

The incident promptly triggered a security response from the US and UN authorities.

The unattended suitcase was found shortly before 3pm near East 43rd Street and Third Avenue, close to the Chrysler Building and a short distance from the United Nations headquarters. The area is also near the Hyatt Grand Central New York, where the prime minister is staying during his visit to New York.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) deployed its Emergency Services Unit and Bomb Squad after the unattended suitcase was reported. Several nearby streets were temporarily closed, while authorities urged people to avoid the area.

The incident also prompted the temporary evacuation of a nearby building as a precaution, according to local reports. Authorities later cleared the suitcase and determined that it did not pose a threat. No injuries were reported.

The incident came as New York was under heightened security for the 81st UN General Assembly, which has drawn scores of world leaders and senior officials to Manhattan. Authorities had already announced extensive traffic controls and security measures around the UN complex during the high-level meetings.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is in New York for a five-day visit to attend the UN General Assembly. During his stay, he is scheduled to address the assembly and hold meetings with foreign leaders and representatives of international organisations.