New York: The Bengali New Year celebration will be held for the fourth time at Times Square on April 11. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has confirmed his participation in the Mangal Shobhajatra (festive procession).

The information was confirmed by Bishwajit Saha, founder and president of NRB Worldwide, the organizing body. According to organizers, the Mangal Shobhajatra will be one of the main attractions of the Bengali New Year 1433 celebrations in New York and is expected to draw attention from Bengalis around the world.

As part of the preparations, the third round of rehearsals was held on Sunday at Nabanna Auditorium. The session, hosted by the organization’s General Secretary Tofazzal Hossain, was attended by over a hundred artists and performers, including director Mohitosh Talukdar Tapas.

Under the direction of Mohitosh Talukdar, rehearsals for five new songs took place over the weekend. Sunday’s sessions included children and teenagers in the first segment, followed by a combined group of young and adult performers, with nearly a hundred participants in total.

Earlier, a special rehearsal of traditional Jari, Sari, and Marfati songs was conducted under the supervision of folk artist Shaheen Hossain, featuring 15 selected performers. Another rehearsal, led by Rabindra Sangeet artist Kartik Chandra Das, included 12 participants. Additionally, more than 50 dancers have been regularly practicing under the choreography and direction of Chandra Banerjee for the Times Square event.

Celebrations for the Bengali New Year will take place on April 11 at Times Square and continue on April 12 at Diversity Plaza, creating a festive atmosphere across New York City’s boroughs. Professor Hossain Kabir of University of Chittagong noted that despite various challenges, the festival has brought cultural vibrancy to the expatriate community over the past four years, a spirit clearly reflected in the recent rehearsals.

Dubai: It’s official. Saudi Arabia announced today (March 18, 2026) that the first day of Eid al Fitr will fall on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. The moon-sighting committee convened and verified the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan after 30 days of fasting. This aligns with the Islamic tradition of determining the start of a new month through lunar observation.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that holidays for Eid for employees in the private and non-profit sectors will begin tonight, Wednesday, Mar 18, and last for four days, in accordance with the provisions of the Saudi Labour Law.

Mohammed Al Ruzaiqi, the ministry’s spokesperson, said at the time that the announcement aimed to provide clarity for employers and employees ahead of the holiday period, allowing organisations to organise work schedules and ensure operational continuity in essential sectors while safeguarding workers’ rights to the festive break.

New York: The New York Bangladeshi American Lions Club, one of the prominent organizations of Bangladeshi expatriates in Jackson Heights, organized a food distribution program on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. The event took place on Tuesday, March 17, where essential food items were distributed among more than 200 low-income families, creating a strong positive impact within the expatriate community.

The event was presided over by the club’s President, Lion JFM Russell (MJF). Special guests included former Lions District Governors Lion Madadi C and Lion Amadou C, Founding President Lion Matiur Rahman, Immediate Past President Lion Rocky Alian, former President Lion Mohammad Saeed, Secretary Lion Md. Mashiur Rahman Mazumdar, Lion Fahad Solaiman, and Treasurer Lion Masud Rana Tapan.

In his speech, President JFM Russell said that Ramadan teaches restraint, compassion, and humanity. Through this food distribution initiative, they aim to put those values into practice so that underprivileged members of the community can share in the joy of Eid.

Former President Rocky Alian stated that even while living abroad, they do not forget their social responsibilities. He added that such initiatives help strengthen unity within the community. Former President Mohammad Saeed emphasized that humanitarian service is the core mission of the Lions Club and expressed hope that such activities will continue in the future.

Secretary Md. Mashiur Rahman Mazumdar mentioned that club members worked sincerely to make the event successful, adding that community support is their greatest strength. He also noted that the Lions Club successfully implemented more than 60 service programs during the 2025–2026 term.

Treasurer Masud Rana Tapan said that with the support of well-off individuals, they have tried to stand beside expatriates in need and will continue this effort. Chairman of the Convening Committee, Md. Mofizul Islam, remarked that standing beside people during the holy month of Ramadan is a moral responsibility. Convener Mohammad Kamruzzaman said the main objective of the initiative was to deliver essential food items to underprivileged families and share the joy of Eid.

Member Secretary Anik Raj added that the success of the program was made possible through collective efforts and that similar initiatives will continue in the future. Lion Abdur Rashid Babu served as Co-Convener, while Lion Zahid Alam acted as Chief Coordinator. Coordinators included Lion Hasan Jilani (MJF), with Co-Coordinators Lion Md. Ruhul Amin, Lion Kamrul Mazumdar, Lion ASM Uddin, and Lion Moinuddin Tuhin.

Other members present included Lion AFM Zaman, Lion Jahangir Alam Joy, Lion Mizanur Rahman, Lion Tarikul Islam Mithu, Lion Mohammad Khan (Duke), Lion Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Lion Syed Kibria, Lion Ehsanul Haque Babul, Lion Nargis Rahman, Lion Kazi Nahar, Lion Mohammad Suman Mahmud, among others.

Dubai: The UAE has announced Eid Al Fitr prayer timings across the seven emirates, with prayers set to take place early in the morning on the first day of the holiday. According to official guidance, prayer timings will be 6:20am in Abu Dhabi, 6:18am in Dubai, 6:16am in Sharjah and Ajman, 6:12am in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, and 6:10am in Fujairah.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said that Eid prayers will be held exclusively in approved mosques across the UAE, confirming that no prayers will take place in traditional open-air Eid prayer grounds.

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The measure is part of the country’s efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of worshippers and to facilitate the smooth organisation of prayers nationwide.

The first day of Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Thursday or Friday, subject to confirmation by the moon-sighting committee, which will convene after Maghreb prayer today. Officials said preparations are under way to ensure the holiday is marked safely and without disruption across the country.

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Tehran had shown it was ready to take the war with Israel and the United States as far as necessary. “I think by now they have learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are dealing with, one that does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary,” said Araghchi during a weekly foreign ministry briefing.

HOLLYWOOD – Irish actress Jessie Buckley on Sunday won the best actress Oscar for her searing portrait of motherhood and love undone by loss in “Hamnet.” She bested Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”), Emma Stone (“Bugonia”) and Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”).

DINAJPUR – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government will take initiatives to establish agro-processing industries in the Dinajpur region to utilize its agricultural potential, strengthen the local economy and create employment opportunities.

“If agricultural products can be preserved and processed properly, the local economy will become stronger and employment opportunities will also increase,” he said. The premier made the remarks while addressing a civic gathering and iftar mahfil at Dinajpur Circuit House ground this evening as the chief guest. Tarique Rahman said Dinajpur holds special emotional value for him, recalling memories linked to his maternal grandparents’ home in the district.

“People usually ask where someone’s maternal home is. But whenever I think of Dinajpur, the first thing that comes to my mind is my grandmother’s house,” he said. The premier mentioned that he has many childhood memories connected with his grandparents’ home in Balubari and Ghasipara areas of the town. Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, said this personal connection has inspired him to work for the development of the region.

Referring to speeches delivered by the Deputy Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce president and local political leaders, he said they had highlighted various problems and potentials of the district, and the government would take those issues into serious consideration.

Reiterating that the government has begun implementing the commitments made to the people before the election, the premier said, “Alhamdulillah, within about one month of forming the government, we have already started implementing many of the promises we made to the people”.

As part of the implementation of the BNP government’s election pledges, Tarique Rahman said, the canal excavation programme was formally launched across the country today from Sahapara in Kaharole upazila in the district.

“For many years, our rivers, canals and waterways have been filled up. As a result, there is a water crisis during the dry season, and when water suddenly comes during the monsoon season, it damages nearby crops and homes,” the premier said.

Therefore, he said, the government has taken a plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years and expressed hope that this initiative would facilitate irrigation for agriculture and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Expressing concern over the excessive use of groundwater, the Prime Minister said, “Previously water could be found at a depth of around 100 to 150 feet, but now in many cases it requires going down 600 to 700 feet”.

“If water can be retained through excavation of canals and rivers, groundwater will gradually recharge and the arsenic problem will also begin to decline,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s initiative to empower women economically, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken a programme to provide ‘Family Card’ to four crore families led by women across Bangladesh.

“Half of Bangladesh’s population is women. We cannot move this country forward by leaving women behind,” he said.

Noting that the pilot project for the ‘Family Card’ programme has already begun and is being implemented experimentally in 15 areas across the country, including Dinajpur-6 constituency, the premier said that after the completion of the pilot scheme, the programme will gradually be expanded nationwide.

Tarique Rahman said that his government also introduced an honorarium for religious leaders as per his party’s election pledge.

“We said before the election that we would arrange an honorarium for those who serve as imams, muezzins and khatibs in mosques, as well as religious leaders of other faiths,” he said, “Alhamdulillah, a few days ago we started that programme as well”.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to national development, the Prime Minister said the administration would work with full dedication to build the country people aspire to. People from various professions and social groups of Dinajpur district attended the civic gathering and iftar event.

LGRD and Cooperative Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, local lawmaker Syed Jahangir Alam, District Bar Association President Abdul Halim, Dinajpur Chamber and Commerce President Abu Bakar Siddiq, district Jamiat-e-Islami President Matiur Rahman Kashemi and Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam spoke at the event.

Dinajpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the function while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it. Earlier, Prime Minister opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area of Kaharole upazila in the district. He formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27 pm. Later, he planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal.

KAHAROLE, Dinajpur – Highlighting various government initiatives involving the country’s commoners, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his party’s political vision is to change the people’s fortune.

“If someone earns Taka 5,000 today, we want their income to elevate to Taka 10,000 within the next few years. If someone earns Taka 2,000, we want to take such policies that will help double their income,” he said.

The premier added: “This is our political goal. This is the politics of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, this is the politics of Khaleda Zia, and this is the politics of the BNP government elected by you.”

Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing a public rally on the bank of Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area here this afternoon after inaugurating the nationwide programme to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies. The premier opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal here.

Tarique Rahman formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27pm. Later, the Prime minister planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal. Referring to his election pledges to build a beautiful country like developed nations and highlighting the role of the country’s people during the Liberation War, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure and anti-fascist movement, Tarique Rahman stressed that development programmes cannot succeed without public support.

Reflecting on the present government’s development plans and steps to improve the living standard of the country’s people, he said, “I cannot do this work alone. We need you with us . . . without your support, it is impossible to carry out this work.”

Describing the people as the true owners of the country, the premier said, “The people are the source of all power, and the people are the real owners of this country”.

He urged the countrymen to remain vigilant against attempts to create division or unrest in the country. “Some people try to create confusion with sweet words. We must remain alert against those who want to create instability in the country,” the Prime Minister said. About the newly launched canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said that the programme marked the beginning of a broader effort to build a stronger Bangladesh where citizens could establish their rights.

“Through this canal excavation programme, we want to build a Bangladesh where people can establish their rights and stand strong both economically and politically,” the premier said.

Noting that he will closely monitor the implementation of the canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said, “When I hear that the excavation of the 12-kilometre Sahapara Canal has been completed, InshaAllah I will come again to see it”.

The premier said that once the Sahapara canal excavation is completed, it will bring major benefits to agriculture in the area.

“This canal is about 12 kilometres long. When the work will be fully completed, around 31,000 farmers will receive irrigation water from it,” he said, adding, irrigation facilities from the canal will cover about 1,200 hectares of land, while nearly 350,000 people will benefit from the water in various ways.

Noting that the improved irrigation system is expected to increase crop production significantly, Tarique Rahman said, “The farmers of this area will be able to produce about 60,000 metric tons more crops than the current production, InshaAllah”.

Recalling the pledges made before the national election, the Prime Minister said the BNP government has already begun implementing several pledges aimed at supporting farmers and rural communities.

He noted that Bangladesh is home to nearly 20 crore people, most of whom live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, it is important to put agriculture on a strong foundation, because if agriculture survives and farmers remain well, the people of Bangladesh will remain well, the premier said, adding, thus, the government has been implementing different farmer-friendly programmes.

Tarique Rahman reminded the audience that his government had promised before the election to waive agricultural loans of up to Taka 10,000 including interest, and that the decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting after forming the government.

Pointing out the importance of canal excavation, the Prime Minister said many canals across the country have been filled up over time, causing water shortages during the dry season and floods during the monsoon.

“Across Bangladesh many canals that existed before have been filled up. In some places even rivers have been filled,” he said, adding, by digging canals, it will be possible to store excess rainwater during the monsoon and use it for agricultural purposes.

The premier said the government planned to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years to improve water management and support agriculture. Alongside canal excavation, he said, the government will also undertake a tree plantation programme.

“We will plant around 7,000 trees along the banks of this Sahapara canal. People will be able to move along the canal road and benefit from it,” the Prime Minister said. Tarique Rahman warned that excessive extraction of underground water through deep tube wells has caused groundwater levels to fall significantly.

“Ten years ago water could be found at a depth of about 50 feet, but now in many places people have to go as deep as 300 feet,” he said. Therefore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of conserving surface water through canal and river excavation so that underground water reserves can be preserved for future generations.

Highlighting several other programmes introduced by the present government, he said the government has already launched the ‘Family Card’ programme, which aims to reach four crore families led by women across Bangladesh. Although some areas have not yet received the cards, the premier assured that the programme would gradually expand.

“We have already started the pilot project and distributed Family Cards among 37,000 women. Gradually the programme will reach all areas, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh,” he said.

About the ‘Farmer Card’, Tarique Rahman said that a plan has been taken to launch the ‘Farmar Card’. Through this, small, marginal and medium farmers will be able to get various government benefits, he said, adding that the pilot project is going to be launched soon.

The Prime Minister announced that the government is also planning to promote agriculture-based industries in the northern region. He said discussions have already been held with major companies involved in agricultural processing and manufacturing. After the Eid-ul-Fitr, he said would sit with those industrial institutions so that more agro-based mills and industries can be established in this region, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, to create employment opportunities for local youth.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Disaster Management, Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia spoke at the rally.

Local lawmakers Syed Jahangir Alam, Md Sadique Reaz and Md Monjurul Islam also spoke, among others.Dina jpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the rally while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it.

DHAKA – First session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will continue till April 30, 2026 while every day session will begin at 3:00 pm, except on government holidays. The decision was taken at the first meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad held today at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, a JS press release said.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, who is also the chairman of the committee, presided over the meeting. Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, MP, attended the meeting.

Other members attended the meeting included Leader of the Opposition Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, opposition member ATM Azharul Islam, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and treasury bench member Muhammad Nawshad Zamir.

At the special invitation of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal also attended the meeting, the release said. The meeting discussed the issue of time allocation and duration of the first session of the 13th Parliament. It was decided that a total of 50 hours will be allocated for discussion on the President’s speech.

The Speaker was also empowered to make any necessary changes in the schedule of the House and working days of the session if required. A total of 468 questions have been received for this session, including 8 questions for the Prime Minister and 460 questions for other ministers.

In addition, 27 notices under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure and 97 notices under Rule 131 have been submitted. Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Kaniz Moula and senior officials were present.

DHAKA – Newly appointed administrators of five city corporations paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today. The administrators met the Prime Minister at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here.

The administrators are: Advocate Bilkis Akhtar Jahan Shirin of Barishal City Corporation, Mahfuzur Rahman Riton of Rajshahi City Corporation, Md Rukonuzzaman Rokon of Mymensingh City Corporation, Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury of Rangpur City Corporation and Md Yusuf Molla of Cumilla City Corporation.

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam was present at the meeting. Earlier today, the government issued a gazette notification appointing them as administrators to the five city corporations.