New York — Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 24. It will be his first address to the UN General Assembly as prime minister. Bangladesh’s government has said his visit will include high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements alongside participation in the UNGA.

Ahead of the visit, the US unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States to participate in programs surrounding the prime minister’s visit and support the government’s reconstruction and development initiatives. The appeal was made through a written statement issued at a “Meet the Press” program organized ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York.

The event was attended by BNP Central International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon, BNP Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Samrat, Zillur Rahman Zillu, Gias Ahmed, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, Sharafat Hossain Babu, Kamal Pasha Babul, Anwar Hossain, Niaz Ahmed Jewel, Anwarul Islam, Akhter Hossain Badal, Kazi Azam, Firoz Alam, Sabur Khan, Mosharraf Hossain Sobuj, Gias Uddin, Shah Alam, Saidul Haque, Zahirul Islam Molla, Jasim Bhuiyan, Syeda Mahmuda Shirin, Golam Faruk Shahin, Shafiqul Rahman Dulal, Syed A.R. Faruk, Baset Rahman, Dr. Abdus Sabur, Shahjahan Sheikh, Nur Mohammad, Rafiqul Islam, Faruk Hossain Majumdar, Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Syed Morshedul Hasan Reza, Mohammad Mohsin, Mazharul Islam Miru, Golam Haider Mukut, Mohammad Masud Rana and Zakir Howlader, among others.

Bangladesh holds UNGA presidency

The written statement described Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly as significant for the country. It also highlighted the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman was elected on June 2, 2026, defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret-ballot election. The 81st session opened on September 8, and Rahman is serving a one-year term as president of the General Assembly.

The United Nations has identified the theme of the 81st session as “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The US BNP statement noted that Bangladesh’s presidency of the General Assembly comes four decades after former Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury served as president of the 41st session in 1986-87.

Appeal to expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the statement, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly will provide an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s democratic transition, development priorities and future plans before the international community. The US BNP also emphasized the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s reconstruction and development, particularly through investment, expertise, experience and international connections.

The statement called on expatriate Bangladeshis to contribute to the country’s development and remain cautious about what the party described as misinformation and propaganda concerning Bangladesh. The party also expressed condolences to the families of those killed during last year’s political unrest and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The figures and descriptions regarding the unrest contained in the BNP statement represent the party’s claims.

Government initiatives highlighted

The statement also highlighted several initiatives attributed to the government, including Krishak Card, Family Card and Sports Card programs. It said a Probashi Card would also be introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates. The US BNP said expatriate Bangladeshis are an important part of the country’s development and stressed the importance of utilizing their investment, skills and international networks.

BNP leaders and affiliated organizations in North America are also preparing various programs around Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. According to the party, a rally and other programs are being planned near the United Nations headquarters on September 24. Meanwhile, New York is preparing for the arrival of world leaders and senior government representatives for the 81st UN General Assembly. The UNGA high-level week will bring delegations from countries around the world to New York.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 and deliver his first UN General Assembly address on September 24. According to current reports, he is expected to leave New York on September 25 after completing his UNGA engagements.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has been shortened. At the same time, a large civic reception planned in his honor in New York will no longer take place, according to multiple sources.

Under the initial itinerary, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was scheduled to arrive in New York on September 21, remain in the city for several days and then travel to San Francisco, California, on September 26. During his stay in New York, he was scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24. BNP leaders and activists in the United States were also preparing for a civic reception planned for September 25.

Several reports published earlier this month said preparations were underway for the reception at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Manhattan. However, Tarique Rahman’s US itinerary was subsequently revised. According to the latest reports, he is scheduled to arrive in New York on the evening of September 21 and return to Bangladesh on September 25. As a result, the large reception previously planned for September 25 will not be held in his presence.

Four-Day New York Visit

Citing Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, reports said Tarique Rahman will take part in various programs in New York from September 22 to 25. He is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s statement at the UN General Assembly on September 24 before returning home on September 25.

Earlier plans had reportedly included a longer stay in the United States, with Tarique Rahman expected to remain in the country until September 29 or 30 and visit San Francisco. The San Francisco leg has since been dropped as the overall trip was shortened.

Reports citing relevant sources said reducing state expenditure and managing the schedule were among the considerations behind the decision to shorten the visit.

Why Was the Reception Cancelled?

Several explanations have appeared in media reports regarding the cancellation of the reception. One of the key points reported is that Tarique Rahman was not interested in attending a large civic reception financed with government funds.

A report by a Bangladeshi national daily, citing Gias Ahmed, former senior vice-president of BNP USA, said discussions had taken place regarding a reception organized by the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. According to Ahmed, Tarique Rahman did not want such an event to be financed with public funds. Party leaders subsequently proposed arranging the event through their own funding.

Meanwhile, other reports said preparations had been underway for a party-organized event at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan on September 25. Since Tarique Rahman is now scheduled to return to Bangladesh that day, the reception cannot be held in his presence.

Claim of Tk 500 Million in Savings

Some reports have claimed that cancelling the reception will save approximately Tk 50 million ($5 crore). However, the figure has not been consistently confirmed across media reports.

While some reports have cited savings of around Tk 50 million, another report put the estimated cost of the proposed government reception at approximately $250,000. There have also been claims that a party-funded event could have involved additional expenses.

Therefore, the claim that the cancellation will result in an exact saving of Tk 50 million should not be presented as confirmed government information. What can be stated more cautiously is that reducing state expenditure has been cited in several reports as one of the considerations behind shortening the prime minister’s US visit. Reports have also indicated that he does not want a large reception funded by public money.

Possibility of a Party Welcome

While a large civic reception financed or organized through government arrangements is reportedly no longer going ahead, some BNP leaders in the United States have expressed interest in welcoming the prime minister through party or privately funded initiatives.

Citing Gias Ahmed, reports said the previously planned reception cannot take place in Tarique Rahman’s presence because he is scheduled to leave for Bangladesh on September 25. Ahmed also indicated that there could be an opportunity for Tarique Rahman to meet local BNP leaders that day.

The clearest information at this stage is that the large-scale formal civic reception planned in New York is not going ahead in the presence of Tarique Rahman. This does not necessarily mean that all party or diaspora activities surrounding his visit have been cancelled.

Main Focus of the US Visit

The primary purpose of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s US visit is to represent Bangladesh at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the latest reports, he will arrive in New York on September 21 and participate in a number of high-level programs. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24.

In addition to the UN General Assembly, meetings with heads of government and other international representatives have also been reported as possible components of his itinerary. However, the full list and schedule of such meetings have not yet been finalized, according to reports citing the prime minister’s press secretary.

Overall, Tarique Rahman’s upcoming US visit is significantly shorter than initially planned. His main activities in New York will center on the UN General Assembly, while the cancellation of the planned large civic reception has generated discussion among Bangladeshis living in the United States.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is entering an “era of deep uncertainty,” urging governments to strengthen international cooperation as leaders prepare to gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.

Speaking ahead of the General Assembly’s high-level week, Guterres identified rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, the climate crisis and deepening inequalities as major existential threats facing the international community.

Guterres devoted much of his remarks to the growing risks associated with artificial intelligence. While acknowledging AI’s potential to accelerate development, improve education and health systems and strengthen climate resilience, he warned that technological development is advancing faster than the world’s understanding of its risks.

He called for stronger safeguards to make AI development safe, transparent and accountable, with human dignity at the centre. Guterres said national action is important but stressed that global coordination is essential because AI and its risks do not stop at national borders.

The UN chief also urged world leaders to address ongoing conflicts. He reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and urged implementation of a two-state solution in the Middle East. He also called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians.

The General Assembly’s high-level week begins in New York on September 18, with the General Debate scheduled to begin on September 22. Leaders from all 193 UN member states are expected to address global challenges, including conflicts, climate change, international security and sustainable development. Guterres said international cooperation is more necessary than ever as governments confront interconnected global crises.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United States has paid $725 million to the United Nations, reducing its outstanding financial obligations to the world body and ensuring that Washington retains its voting rights in the UN General Assembly. The payment comes just days before world leaders are due to gather in New York for the annual General Assembly session.

The United Nations said the United States transferred $725 million for the organization’s regular budget on Tuesday. Washington also paid an additional $102 million toward UN peacekeeping operations on Friday. Despite the latest payments, the United States still owes approximately $1.312 billion to the UN regular budget, according to UN spokesperson Farhan Haq.

The payment also removes the immediate risk that the United States could lose its voting rights under Article 19 of the UN Charter. The provision says a member state can lose its vote in the General Assembly when its arrears reach or exceed the amount of contributions due for the preceding two full years, although the General Assembly can grant an exception in certain circumstances.

The United States is the largest contributor to the UN budget, but the Trump administration has criticized the organization and reduced or delayed funding to various UN agencies. Washington has also pushed for reforms and cost reductions across the UN system.

The latest payment comes as the United Nations faces continuing financial pressure and implements its “UN80” reform and cost-cutting initiative. China, the UN’s second-largest contributor, paid $641.4 million toward its regular budget contribution earlier this month, according to UN figures cited by Reuters. The U.S. payment means Washington will retain its vote as the 2026 UN General Assembly prepares to convene in New York next week, while the broader dispute over U.S. funding and UN reforms remains unresolved.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United States has imposed new sanctions on Russia’s VTB Bank, accusing the major financial institution of helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions and establishing correspondent banking relationships with sanctioned Iranian banks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the action on September 14 under the administration’s Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign aimed at disrupting the Iranian regime’s financial networks and sources of revenue.

“Under Operation Economic Outcast, Treasury will continue to target and disrupt those who provide material, technological, or financial support that allows the Iranian regime to sustain its terrorist enterprise,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. Bessent added that the United States would continue identifying, exposing and isolating individuals and institutions that support the Iranian regime.

VTB Accused of Expanding Ties With Iran

According to the Treasury Department, VTB Bank, one of Russia’s largest financial institutions, has expanded its banking presence in Iran in recent years as Moscow and Tehran have sought to deepen economic and trade ties.

U.S. authorities said VTB established correspondent banking relationships with Iranian financial institutions already under sanctions and began taking additional steps to expand its presence in Tehran in January 2025.

The Treasury Department also accused the bank of helping establish a settlement mechanism using Iranian rials and Russian rubles through correspondent accounts, with the aim of facilitating bilateral trade. U.S. officials further alleged that VTB took steps to move billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

Operation Economic Outcast

The Treasury Department announced Operation Economic Outcast on August 24, describing the campaign as an effort to sever the remaining economic lifelines supporting the Iranian regime. The operation focuses on financial networks involved in oil smuggling, sanctions evasion and the financing of Iran’s security apparatus, terrorist proxies and other affiliated networks.

Washington has warned foreign financial institutions that continuing significant business with sanctioned Iranian entities could expose them to secondary sanctions and potentially restrict their access to the U.S. financial system. The Treasury Department said it is also working with partners in the European Union, the United Kingdom and Gulf countries to target financial channels connected to Iran.

VTB Already Under U.S. Sanctions

The latest action is not the first time VTB Bank has been targeted by the United States. OFAC previously designated VTB in January 2025 under sanctions authorities targeting Russia’s financial sector. The bank was also sanctioned in February 2022 over its ties to the Russian government and its operations in Russia’s financial services sector. The new designation adds Iran-related sanctions exposure to the bank’s existing restrictions.

Assets Blocked

Under the latest action, all property and interests in property belonging to VTB Bank that are located in the United States or held by U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving the blocked property unless authorized by OFAC or covered by an applicable exemption. The restrictions also extend to entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50% or more by one or more blocked persons.

Foreign financial institutions engaging in certain significant transactions involving designated entities may also face the risk of secondary sanctions, including restrictions on their ability to maintain correspondent or payable-through accounts in the United States.

The Treasury Department said the latest action sends a broader warning to foreign banks and businesses that facilitate Iran’s efforts to circumvent U.S. sanctions. Washington is expected to continue targeting financial institutions and other entities that it says provide Iran with access to international financial networks.

Mujib Rahman, Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on September 13, Kabir said the prime minister would remain in New York until September 26.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the UN General Assembly,” Kabir said. “During the visit, he will present Bangladesh’s new vision and priorities on the global stage.”

The state minister said the prime minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders during his stay in New York, alongside a number of important sideline meetings.

“Along with presenting Bangladesh’s vision to the international community, discussions will also focus on a range of issues concerning the country’s national interests,” Kabir said.

Asked whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would meet US President Donald Trump during his New York visit, Kabir said the prime minister’s primary purpose was to attend the UN General Assembly and deliver his address.

“There will be some meetings on the sidelines. Such meetings are often decided at the very last moment,” he said.

“Donald Trump has said that he wants to meet the prime minister. When he goes there, we will inform you about whom he meets or holds discussions with. There will be nothing secret about it, and you will be informed,” Kabir added. The state minister also said a special sideline meeting on resolving the Rohingya crisis is expected to be organized during the prime minister’s visit to the United States.

“The Rohingya issue will receive significant attention in the prime minister’s meetings with world leaders,” Kabir said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) held its 40th annual convention in Orlando over the Labor Day weekend, bringing together Bangladeshi-American community organizations, cultural performers, artists and guests from across North America. The three-day convention opened Friday with a gala dinner and opening ceremony. Media personality Shahidul Islam Shachu hosted the opening program, while Dr. Sultan S. Ahmed attended as chief guest.

The second day featured seminars, cultural programs and performances by member organizations and prominent Bangladeshi artists. The FOBANA theme song was performed by Dinat Jahan Munni and her group. The song’s lyrics and music were written and composed by Kabir Bokul. Artists who performed during Saturday’s main-stage program included Shamir Mahmud, Rafiq Ahmed Miton, Arzeen Kamal, Imran Mahmudul and Dilshaad Nahar Kona.

A key part of the convention was the Annual General Meeting, where delegates elected a new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term. Atiqur Rahman was elected chairman, while Niehal Rahim was elected executive secretary. Ziaul Haque Zia and Aminul Zinali Collins were elected executive vice presidents. Md. Shahab Uddin and Imran Jony Alam were elected joint secretaries, and Shahedul Islam Anjan was elected treasurer.

The AGM also approved the Bangladesh League of America, New York, as the host committee for the 2027 FOBANA convention. Several other recommendations from member organizations were also approved during the meeting. Organizers said 47 organizations registered for this year’s convention, with more than a dozen organizations from Florida participating in the Orlando gathering.

Sunday’s program began with additional seminars and activities involving member organizations. The main stage featured a tribute to the late Shotto Saha, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s music and cultural community.

As part of the tribute, his son Imon Saha, a seven-time National Film Award winner of Bangladesh, performed in his father’s honor. FOBANA also presented a posthumous recognition to Shotto Saha, which was accepted by his wife, National Film Award-winning actress and performer Romola Saha, on behalf of the family.

The recognition was presented by performers Ankhi Alamgir and Dinat Jahan Munni alongside FOBANA leaders. The final evening featured performances by Ankhi Alamgir, Dinat Jahan Munni, Shazu Khadem, Zayed Khan, Shirin Shila, Itisha Chowdhury and singer Sanjay, known for performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup. State and local officials also addressed attendees during the convention.

The 40th FOBANA Convention was hosted by Central Florida Bangladesh Shomiti. The Bangladesh Association of Florida, Central Florida Sports Club, World Fair and Feast USA Inc. and Bangladesh Society of Central Florida served as co-host organizations. The organizing team included Convenor Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Executive President Shams Ahmed and Event Coordinator AKM Hossain Hitu.

The event was planned and designed by Shahid Islam Shachu, S.A. Haque Oilk and Tanzira Rashid. The convention concluded with FOBANA acknowledging the newly elected committee and thanking participating organizations, performers, delegates and guests for their contributions to the three-day gathering.

Shibbir Ahmed, NEW YORK — Iran-aligned Houthi forces have seized the strategic Mayun Island at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, tightening their grip around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and raising fresh concerns over global shipping and energy supplies.

The Houthis also took control of Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday and have advanced along the coast toward strategic islands, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. The developments represent the group’s most significant territorial gains since a 2022 truce largely halted Yemen’s civil war.

Mayun Island, also known as Perim, sits in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. About 12% of global goods normally pass through the waterway, making any prolonged disruption a potential threat to international trade.

The latest Houthi advance comes as shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has already been severely disrupted by the wider Middle East conflict. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on the Red Sea route to move oil after traffic through Hormuz became heavily restricted.

The potential loss of secure access to both major maritime corridors has heightened concerns among energy traders and shipping companies. Reuters reported that Saudi crude production fell to about 6 million barrels per day in August, its lowest level in more than three decades, partly because of disruptions linked to attacks on shipping around the Bab el-Mandeb.

Oil markets have responded sharply to the growing risks. Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel this week, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also crossed the $100 threshold as traders assessed the possibility of further supply disruptions.

Saudi Arabia has responded to the Houthi advance with military action. A Houthi-controlled broadcaster reported that Saudi forces carried out airstrikes on the airport in Mokha after the port city fell to the group. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The escalation has also raised fears of a renewed wider conflict inside Yemen. More than 46,000 people have fled their homes since the latest fighting began, according to the U.N. migration agency, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government has indicated that it intends to launch a counteroffensive to recover territory captured by the Houthis.

For international shipping, the main concern is whether the Houthis will use their new positions to further restrict commercial traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb. Shipping through the waterway had already fallen substantially after Houthi attacks on commercial vessels beginning in late 2023, prompting many shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa.

With both the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz facing serious security challenges, businesses are preparing for potentially higher transportation and energy costs. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil prices, shipping rates and the movement of goods between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The latest developments have therefore transformed the Houthi advance from a regional military development into a growing concern for global trade and energy markets.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Oil prices remained above $100 a barrel on Friday, putting both major benchmarks on track for their strongest weekly gains in months as escalating violence in the Middle East disrupted key shipping routes and heightened concerns over global supplies.

Brent crude futures rose earlier in the session to above $108 a barrel before giving back some of those gains. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also traded above $100, after both benchmarks jumped more than 6% on Thursday.

Brent was last trading around $104 a barrel, while WTI fell below the $100 mark later in the session. Despite the pullback, both contracts remained sharply higher for the week. Reuters reported that Brent and WTI were on track for weekly gains of more than 8%.

The latest price moves have been driven largely by growing risks to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, two critical routes for global energy supplies. Increased attacks on tankers and other shipping have raised concerns that disruptions could persist.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces also seized Yemen’s port of Mocha, according to reports, adding to concerns about shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the wider Red Sea region. At the same time, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Oil flows through the waterway have fallen sharply from levels seen before the latest escalation in fighting, putting additional pressure on already tight global supplies.

Supply concerns have also been reinforced by disruptions to energy infrastructure in the region. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s crude production fell to about 6 million barrels per day in August, its lowest level in roughly three decades, following attacks on energy facilities.

The disruption is also being felt in fuel markets. U.S. diesel prices have climbed to record levels, increasing costs for transportation, agriculture and other industries. Higher energy prices are also raising concerns about renewed inflationary pressure around the world.

Oil prices had already risen sharply in recent weeks as the conflict involving the United States and Iran intensified. Brent crude crossed the $100 threshold on Wednesday for the first time since July, and Thursday’s rally pushed both Brent and WTI above $100.

Markets remain focused on whether diplomatic efforts can restore safe passage through key shipping routes. Any sustained improvement in shipping conditions could ease some of the recent price pressure, while further attacks or prolonged restrictions could keep oil prices elevated.

For now, traders remain cautious as the conflict continues to threaten one of the world’s most important energy supply corridors.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: The United States is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Friday, with memorial ceremonies taking place across the country. In New York, victims’ relatives are gathering at the World Trade Center site to remember those who were killed in the attacks, while moments of silence mark key points in the timeline of that morning.

At the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, family members are reading the names of their loved ones who died in the attacks. This year’s commemoration also includes a new moment of silence honoring people who were exposed to toxic dust and debris after the collapse of the World Trade Center and later died from related illnesses.

On September 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York, one struck the Pentagon near Washington and the fourth crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought the hijackers. A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks.

The consequences of the attacks have continued long after that day. Thousands of firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, volunteers and others who worked at or around Ground Zero were exposed to toxic substances. More than 600 New York City firefighters have since died from illnesses related to their 9/11 exposure, according to figures cited by Reuters.

Memorial ceremonies are also being held at the Pentagon and at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville. President Donald Trump is attending the Pentagon observance, while Vice President JD Vance and all four living former presidents are attending the New York commemoration, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.

New York also held commemorative events ahead of Friday’s anniversary. On Wednesday night, a special drone installation titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor” illuminated the sky above New York Harbor. The display featured 2,977 lights, representing each person killed in the 2001 attacks, before forming the outline of the Twin Towers at full architectural scale. Organizers said the project was developed in collaboration with 9/11 family members, survivors and first responders.

The city’s commemoration will continue Friday evening with the annual “Tribute in Light.” Two powerful beams of light will rise from Lower Manhattan, creating a symbolic representation of the Twin Towers and honoring those who died in the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial has scheduled the installation from Friday evening through early Saturday morning.

Twenty-five years later, the anniversary remains more than a remembrance of those who died on September 11, 2001. It also reflects the continuing grief of victims’ families, the sacrifices of first responders and the lasting health consequences faced by thousands of people who worked at Ground Zero.

For New York and the nation, the 25th anniversary is a moment to remember the lives lost, honor those who responded and preserve the history of a day that profoundly changed the United States.