DHAKA: The Election Commission (EC) today announced the schedule for the presidential election. EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the election schedule at the Election Commission Bhaban at Agargaon in the city.

According to the schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers is August 13. Voting will be held on August 20 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) session hall. Nomination papers must be submitted at the office of the Chief Election Commissioner between 10:00am and 4:00pm on August 13.

The scrutiny of nomination papers will be held at the EC Bhaban from 10:00am on August 16. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is until 4:00pm on August 18. Speaking to journalists, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said, “In accordance with Section 5(3) of the Presidential Election Act, 1991, I am announcing this schedule for the presidential election after discussions with the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad.”

He said, voter list for the Presidential election has been prepared. Other remaining administrative procedures will be completed before the election, he said.

New York: Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, has emerged as the city with the highest crime index among major South Asian cities while also ranking as the least safe in the region, according to the 2026 Crime and Safety Index published by global data platform Numbeo.

According to the report, Dhaka recorded a Crime Index of 62.2, the highest among South Asian cities surveyed. Its Safety Index stands at just 37.8, placing it at the bottom of the regional rankings for public safety.

The findings indicate that major cities in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal all scored better than Dhaka on safety. The report also suggests that many residents of Dhaka feel unsafe walking alone at night and frequently express concerns about crime.

Globally, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was ranked the world’s safest city, with a Crime Index of 11.1 and a Safety Index of 88.9, highlighting the significant contrast with Dhaka.

Crime and Safety Index of Major South Asian Cities

In the global rankings, Dhaka placed 59th among major cities with the highest crime levels, putting it among the top 15 percent of cities worldwide for crime and lack of safety.

Among South Asia’s safest cities, Mangaluru in India recorded a Safety Index of 74.4, followed by Islamabad in Pakistan at 68.6. The report also indicates that cities such as Karachi—often associated with security challenges—received higher safety scores than Dhaka.

Numbeo is an international crowd-sourced database that regularly publishes comparative indices on cities and countries, covering topics such as crime, cost of living, housing, healthcare, traffic, and quality of life. Its 2026 Crime and Safety Index underscores growing concerns over law and order and public safety in Bangladesh’s capital.

Michigan, USA: Progressive politician and physician Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has won the Democratic Senate primary in the important battleground state of Michigan. In a closely contested race, he defeated moderate Democratic candidate Congresswoman Haley Stevens.

El-Sayed’s victory is being viewed as a major achievement for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Michigan’s Senate seat is considered one of the most competitive races ahead of the 2026 U.S. Senate elections.

During his campaign, El-Sayed focused on issues including healthcare reform, reducing the cost of living for ordinary Americans, and addressing economic inequality. His campaign attracted strong support from young voters and progressive activists.

Meanwhile, Haley Stevens was backed by established Democratic leaders and moderate voters. The contest between the two candidates highlighted the broader debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party.

El-Sayed will now face Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the general election. Political analysts believe the race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, as Michigan remains a key swing state.

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s primary victory is being seen as a sign of the growing influence of progressive politics within the Democratic Party, sparking new discussions in national politics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

NEW YORK: A violent clash erupted between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Jackson Heights, Queens, leaving one senior leader seriously injured and another arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 3 during an event held on 73rd Street, commonly known as “Bangladesh Street,” in Jackson Heights.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a heated verbal altercation broke out between members of the two factions over longstanding organizational disputes and leadership rivalry. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, resulting in a bloody clash.

During the violence, several people at the scene were heard shouting warnings that a weapon or firearm might be present, prompting panic among attendees. Multiple videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media, drawing significant attention and concern within the Bangladeshi-American community.

Mohammad Shihab, Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League, was reportedly assaulted during the clash and sustained serious injuries. Local residents and bystanders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.

Responding to emergency calls, officers from the NYPD arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control. Based on allegations of assault, police detained and later arrested Zakir Hossain Rahul, also a Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Local party members said the violence stemmed from longstanding internal divisions within the organization, including demands for the resignation of the recently appointed president of the U.S. unit, Mahmud Hasan, and disagreements over the current leadership committee. They alleged that the clash was the result of escalating political rivalry and a struggle for organizational control.

The incident has drawn criticism from many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, who expressed disappointment over the outbreak of violence involving a prominent student organization on U.S. soil.

Following the incident, the President of the United States Awami League, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, and General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad issued a joint statement urging party leaders and activists to remain calm and exercise restraint.

In the statement, Dr. Rahman said those responsible for the violence would be investigated and that strict organizational action would be taken in accordance with the party’s constitution. The leaders also urged supporters to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation on social media and to rely only on verified information regarding the incident. The NYPD investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

New Jersey: Two Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in New Jersey after allegedly posing as bank security officials to scam a woman out of $25,000 and attempting to collect an additional $30,000, according to police. The suspects, identified as Mohammad N. Islam, 48, of Egg Harbor, and Mohammad Z. Islam, 58, of Westville, were arrested Friday by the Riverside Township Police Department. Authorities said N. Islam is originally from Narail, Bangladesh, while Z. Islam is from Mirsharai in Chattogram.

According to a spokesperson for the Riverside Township Police Department, both men have been charged in connection with fraud and deception offenses.

Police said the investigation began after a local woman reported that she had been targeted by a sophisticated scam. According to her complaint, fraudsters falsely claimed that her computer had been infected with a virus that was compromising the security of her Wells Fargo bank account. They also warned that the FBI was investigating the matter and threatened that she could face serious legal consequences if she failed to cooperate.

The woman was then instructed to call a phone number provided by the scammers. During the call, she was told that paying $25,000 in cash would resolve the issue. She was further instructed to withdraw the money, place it in a Wells Fargo envelope, and hand it over to a person posing as a bank security employee, who would collect the cash from her residence.

Believing the claims to be legitimate, the woman withdrew the money from her bank and handed over $25,000 to an individual who arrived at her home.

Shortly afterward, the scammers contacted her again and demanded an additional $30,000. At that point, the woman became suspicious and contacted police.

Following police instructions, she agreed to have the suspects return to her home to collect the second payment. Officers, who had been waiting inside the residence, arrested the two men when they arrived.

Investigators said the suspects later appeared in court and were released pending further court proceedings.

Riverside Township Police are urging residents to remain vigilant against similar scams and to contact law enforcement immediately if they receive suspicious calls demanding money or claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or law enforcement.

The case follows another fraud-related arrest involving a Bangladeshi national earlier this year. In February, police arrested Niamat Ullah, 31, a resident of Buffalo, New York, in connection with a spam-call scam. Authorities said he allegedly impersonated a member of the Norton Antivirus support team and threatened a victim into paying a large sum of money. Police recovered gold coins and more than $100,000 in cash from his vehicle. He faces multiple felony charges and was lodged at Tygart Valley Regional Jail, according to law enforcement.

NEW YORK: To mark the month of national mourning in August, the World Awami League has launched an initiative to release seven songs over seven consecutive days, highlighting Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s history, and various contemporary political themes.

According to the organization, the songs are being released sequentially during the first seven days of August on its official YouTube channel @worldawamileague.

The seven songs featured in the special musical arrangement are: “Shokaboh August” (Mourning August), “Ponero August” (August 15), “Mukhosh Vangar Gaan” (Song of Breaking the Mask), “Neel Nokshar Kalo Jal” (The Black Web of a Blueprint), “Itihasher Rajkannya Sheikh Hasina” (Sheikh Hasina: The Princess of History), “Amar Jonno Kendo Na Bangladesh” (Bangladesh, Do Not Cry for Me), and “Itihasher Bari Dhanmondi 32” (Dhanmondi 32: The House of History).

Organizers said the songs portray different aspects of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s life and ideals, the tragic events of August 15, and various chapters of Bangladesh’s history and national consciousness. The initiative also aims to present historical events to the younger generation through music.

The World Awami League said one song is being released each day on its YouTube channel, making the musical collection accessible to Bengali-speaking audiences around the world.

The organization has invited viewers and listeners to follow the official YouTube channel @worldawamileague and join the special musical tribute commemorating Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of August 15 during the month of mourning.

NEW YORK: At the first moment of August (12:01 a.m.), the US Awami League and its affiliated organizations held a candlelight vigil and remembrance meeting in honor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the family members who were killed on August 15, 1975.

The program took place at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens, where leaders and members of the US Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League gathered to pay tribute.

US Awami League President Siddiqur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad and Member of Parliament Nazrul Islam Babu.

Participants lit candles and observed a moment of remembrance in tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely recognized as the architect of Bangladesh’s independence, as well as all those who lost their lives in the August 15, 1975, assassination.

In brief remarks, speakers condemned the killings of August 15, 1975, and called on Bangladeshis living abroad to remain united against what they described as conspiracies targeting the nation’s history and ideals. They also emphasized preserving the spirit of the Liberation War and the legacy of Bangabandhu.

The observance created a solemn atmosphere at Diversity Plaza, where members of the Bangladeshi community gathered to mark the beginning of the month of mourning with candlelight and prayers.

Dhaka: Admiral Steve Koehler, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, will arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday for a three-day official visit from August 4 to 6, US Embassy Dhaka acting spokesperson Mara Bird said on Monday. During his visit, Admiral Koehler is scheduled to meet senior Bangladeshi officials to discuss the longstanding US-Bangladesh defence partnership and opportunities to expand cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and professional military education, she said.

DHAKA: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has placed law enforcement and security agencies on high alert ahead of August 5 to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across the country

“All necessary measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful and secure environment across the country ahead of August 5,” he said while speaking to journalists at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The heightened security measures are part of routine precautionary steps taken in view of the significance of the day and prevailing security considerations, he said.

Ahmed said the Home Ministry has issued specific directives to police and other security agencies to strengthen vigilance and remain fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation.

As part of the instructions, police vehicles have been directed not to remain unattended, while security personnel have been advised to maintain continuous vigilance to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and rapid response capability.

Ahmed said a high-level coordination meeting involving the government, law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders will be held to review the overall security situation and finalize necessary arrangements for August 5.

The minister also referred to the recent recovery of bomb-like objects in Motijheel and Ashulia, describing the incidents as attempts to create panic and disrupt social harmony.

He said a coordinated investigation is underway to identify those responsible and determine whether there are any links between the incidents.

Ahmed added that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the activities of banned organizations and certain groups operating from abroad.

Further details will be disclosed once the ongoing investigations are completed, he said.

New York: The first-ever New York Bengali Film Festival concluded successfully after a four-day celebration of Bengali cinema, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Bangladeshi diaspora and local film enthusiasts. Held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, the festival featured a vibrant showcase of films, cultural performances and an awards ceremony.

The festival was jointly organized by Priyojon Films and Lemon Studio, with support from the American Bangladeshi Producers Association. All County Home Care served as one of the event’s principal sponsors.

During the first three days, audiences enjoyed a diverse selection of short films, documentaries and feature films by filmmakers from Bangladesh and North America. The strong turnout reflected the continued passion of expatriate Bangladeshis for Bengali cinema despite living abroad.

The closing ceremony featured a red carpet reception, cultural performances and an awards presentation attended by prominent Bangladeshi entertainment personalities, including actors Zayed Khan, Kazi Maruf, Emon, Sojol and Bindu, as well as popular singer Pratik Hasan. Members of the Bangladeshi community in New York welcomed the opportunity to meet their favorite artists in person.

The festival recognized outstanding achievements in Bengali cinema from 2023 to 2025 across multiple categories.

Actor Shakib Khan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Priyotoma, while Shabnam Bubly was named Best Actress for Deyaler Desh. Hridi Haq received the Best Director award for 1971 Shei Shob Din.

Among the other major winners, Chanchal Chowdhury received the Best Supporting Actor award for Toofan, while Sanjida Preeti won Best Supporting Actress for 1971 Shei Shob Din. Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya, directed by Shihab Shaheen, was named Best Web Film.

Other award recipients included Mamunun Emon (Maya), Afsana Ara Bindu (Unish 20), child actors Kazi Arisha (Green Card) and Nairita Hasin Roudromoyi (Jongli), singers Balam, Pritom Hasan and Avanti Sithi, story writer Dr. Enamul Haque, screenwriters Nazim Ud Daula and Raihan Rafi, cinematographers Suman Sarkar and Sahel Rony, editors Simit Roy Antor and Kamruzzaman Rony, sound recordist Ripon Nath, lyricists Asif Iqbal and Someshwar Oli, composer Prince Mahmud, and music director Imon Saha.

In the film categories, Lost won Best Short Film, while Songs for a Country was named Best Documentary.

Veteran actor Ahmed Sharif received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bengali cinema. Special honors were also presented to Bioscope Films, Star Cineplex, and the streaming platform Chorki for their contributions to the growth and promotion of the Bangladeshi film industry.

According to the organizers, the festival aims not only to screen films but also to strengthen the connection between the younger Bangladeshi diaspora and Bengali cinema while expanding the global reach of Bangladesh’s film industry.

Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition, organizers, filmmakers and audiences expressed optimism that next year’s festival will be even larger, with broader international participation and greater opportunities to showcase Bengali cinema on the world stage.