Shibbir Ahmed, New York – Channel i and Impress Telefilm, two prominent names in Bangladesh’s television industry, celebrated their 28th anniversary with a colorful event in New York. The celebration brought together prominent members of the Bangladeshi diaspora for an evening of awards, musical performances and greetings. The event was jointly hosted by Ekushey Padak-winning writer, filmmaker and singer Afzal Hossain and journalist and television presenter Mainul Islam.

One of the highlights of the program was the presentation of awards recognizing contributions to journalism, environmental journalism, and the promotion and expansion of Channel i across North America.

Mainul Islam, special correspondent and presenter at Channel i, was honored for his contributions to journalism. Special correspondent Md. Soumik Ahmed received recognition for his work in environmental journalism, while General Manager Md. Mohiuddin Khan Moin was honored for his role in promoting and expanding Channel i’s presence in North America.

The award ceremony was attended by Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Impress Telefilm Limited and Channel i, along with Afzal Hossain, entrepreneur Kona Reza and other distinguished guests.

Speakers emphasized the importance of the media in promoting the Bengali language and culture and showcasing Bangladesh’s heritage abroad. They noted that Bangla-language media serving expatriate communities can help strengthen the connection between younger generations and Bangladesh’s language, culture and traditions. The cultural segment was another major attraction of the evening. Popular actress Moushumi and singer Dinat Jahan Munni delighted the audience with a duet performance.

Other notable attendees included journalist Khalid Mohiuddin, Bangladesh’s Press Minister in Washington, Golam Mortuza, and Anisuzzaman, Bangladesh’s Deputy Consul General in New York. Leaders of the Bangladesh-American Police Association (BAPA), along with artists, businesspeople and guests from various professional backgrounds, also attended the celebration.

The 28th anniversary celebration of Channel i and Impress Telefilm served as a gathering of the Bangladeshi diaspora, highlighting the enduring role of Bengali-language media in preserving cultural identity and strengthening community ties abroad.

NEW YORK — The Dhallywood Awards 2026, celebrating the rich heritage of Bangladeshi cinema, music, television and culture, will take place in New York on October 10. The prestigious event, which brings together leading Bangladeshi artists in the United States, will be held at the Evangel Church Center in Long Island City, Queens. The event is being organized under the overall supervision and sponsorship of Showtime President Khairul Islam Khokon and Vice President Chowdhury Safwat Gani. Shahin Kabir is serving as an adviser to the event.

Organizers said the Dhallywood Awards 2026 will honor a number of artists who have made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s film, television, music and cultural sectors. The names of the award recipients, however, will be officially announced on the day of the event, Khairul Islam Khokon said.

A number of popular Bangladeshi actors and artists are expected to attend the event, including actor and filmmaker Afzal Hossain, popular villain Misha Sawdagor, actors Amit Hasan, Nirob Hossain, Emon, Chanchal Chowdhury, Toma Mirza, Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Tanzia Zaman Mithila, Sporshia, Shirin Shila, Jolly and Samira Khan Mahi. The music lineup will also feature popular Bangladeshi singers, including Rizia Parvin, S.I. Tutul and Bindu Kona, among others.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will feature stage performances and musical presentations, generating considerable interest among Bangladeshi expatriates in the New York area. A major attraction of this year’s event will be popular Bangladeshi film star Shakib Khan. According to the organizers, Khan will receive an award and will also participate in presenting awards and performing on stage.

It will be his first appearance at the Dhallywood Awards in the United States in nearly five years. He previously attended the 19th Dhallywood Awards, held in Jamaica in 2021. Organizers said this year’s event will feature an unusually large gathering of popular Bangladeshi stars from different segments of the entertainment industry.

“Our main goal is to honor artists associated with Bangladeshi film, music, television and culture and to showcase the heritage of Bangla culture on foreign soil,” Khairul Islam Khokon said. “We have confirmed the participation of a large number of leading Bangladeshi stars. We want to present a diverse and memorable event for audiences in the diaspora.”

Chowdhury Safwat Gani said the Dhallywood Awards is more than simply an awards ceremony.

“It is an important platform for honoring the art and culture of our country,” he said. “The event was not held for a year due to various circumstances. After that break, we are organizing the Dhallywood Awards 2026 with renewed energy and commitment.”

Gani said the award recipients would be announced during the event and that special performances by participating artists would add to the experience for audiences.

“We expect the Dhallywood Awards 2026, featuring direct participation by stars of Bangladeshi cinema, music and culture, to become not only an awards ceremony but also a major gathering celebrating Bangla culture in the diaspora,” he said.

ATLANTA, GA — Bengali music lovers gathered in Atlanta on Friday evening, September 18, for a special solo musical program featuring acclaimed singer Chandrashekhar Dutta, known for his performances of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and modern Bengali songs.

The musical evening was organized by Tirtha O Parampara, a local cultural organization, under the overall supervision of Sanjukta Roy and Nil Majumdar, with support from local artists, writers, poets and distinguished members of the Bengali community.

Held at a local Desi Street restaurant, the event brought together members of Atlanta’s Bengali community for an evening of music and cultural celebration. Dutta performed a selection of Bengali songs, captivating the audience with his voice and expressive performances.

The program created a warm and nostalgic atmosphere for attendees, with the organizers describing the evening as a reflection of Bangladesh’s rich musical and cultural heritage. The venue took on the feel of a “mini Bangladesh” as familiar Bengali melodies filled the room.

The audience responded enthusiastically to Dutta’s performances, with his successive renditions drawing appreciative reactions from listeners throughout the evening. Providing instrumental accompaniment were Amitava Sen, Surajit Bandyopadhyay, Subhadra Gupta, Ankan Basu and Golam Mahiuddin.

The event concluded with remarks from organizers Sanjukta Roy and Nil Majumdar, who thanked the invited guests, artists and audience members for their participation and support. They also expressed hope for continued community cooperation in organizing cultural programs in the future. The evening served as another gathering point for Atlanta’s Bengali community, bringing together music, culture and a shared connection to Bengali heritage.

Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City — The glitz and glamour of fashion took center stage at the Showboat Hotel as Atlantic City Fashion Week 2026 brought together designers, models, fashion entrepreneurs and enthusiasts for a three-day celebration of style, creativity and culture.

The event, held from September 17 through September 19, transformed the Showboat Hotel into a vibrant fashion destination, featuring runway presentations, contemporary designs and opportunities for professionals and fashion enthusiasts to connect.

Throughout the three-day event, models showcased a wide range of designs on the runway, highlighting the creativity of designers from the United States and abroad. The collections reflected diverse styles, innovative concepts and contemporary fashion trends, creating an energetic atmosphere for audiences.

Beyond the runway shows, the event provided opportunities for networking, entertainment and creative collaboration. Fashion designers, models, entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts gathered to exchange ideas, build professional connections and explore emerging trends within the fashion industry.

This year’s event carried additional significance as Atlantic City Fashion Week celebrated its 15th anniversary. Launched in 2011, the fashion event has grown into a recurring part of Atlantic City’s fashion and cultural calendar and is held three times a year.

Organized through a partnership between Fashion Style Magazine and KingBee Media, Atlantic City Fashion Week has continued to provide a platform for designers and models to showcase their work while bringing together different segments of the fashion community.

The 2026 edition attracted fashion enthusiasts from across the region, adding to the city’s ongoing reputation as a destination for entertainment, tourism and cultural events.

With its combination of runway presentations, creative expression and industry networking, Atlantic City Fashion Week 2026 once again highlighted the growing connection between fashion, culture and entertainment in the New Jersey resort city.

Staff Correspondent: The Jalalabad Association of America Inc., one of the leading social organisations representing people from greater Sylhet living in the United States, hosted its much-anticipated ‘Summer Bash’ in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

The event brought together Bangladeshi expatriates from Sylhet and their families, creating a lively gathering aimed at preserving cultural traditions, strengthening community bonds and promoting friendship and harmony among the expatriate community.

The programme was organised under the overall leadership of Association President Moinul Islam and General Secretary Ataul Gani Asad. A dedicated celebration committee worked to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the event.

The committee was led by Convener Sheikh Jamal Hossain, Chief Convener Laies Ahmed (Minu), Chief Coordinator Moin Uz Zaman Chowdhury, and Member Secretary Helim Uddin. Kamrul Hossain and Shahinul Islam served as Joint Member Secretaries. Other members of the celebration committee included A. Rahim (Kadir), Zainal Uddin Layek, Masuk Mia, Syed Lokman, Badrul Uddin, and Dewan Md. Tazzir.

Taking a break from their busy lives in the United States, expatriate Bangladeshis attended the Summer Bash with their families in large numbers. The event featured social gatherings, friendly conversations, family activities, colourful stalls and a vibrant cultural programme.

The cultural segment featured popular artists from Bangladesh, the United Kingdom and the local Bangladeshi community, who entertained the audience with a variety of songs. Performers included Selim Chowdhury, Rizia Parvin, Kamruzzaman Bakul, Wahid from London, Shah Mahbub, Baul Kala Mia, Nasir Uddin, Roksana Mirza, Nazu Akand, Aftab Johnny, Silma, and Apu Rahman’s group.

The event was further energised by the event management and sound system provided by Soundgear, contributing to the overall festive atmosphere. Around 20 colourful stalls were also set up at the venue, attracting considerable attention from visitors. The stalls added a fair-like dimension to the celebration and provided another attraction for families attending the programme.

According to the organisers, one of the main objectives of the event was to introduce the younger generation of expatriate Bangladeshis to their cultural heritage, traditions and roots. The organisers also emphasised the importance of such gatherings in strengthening social connections and fostering unity among the greater Sylhet community in the United States.

Through the collective efforts of the celebration committee and the enthusiastic participation of expatriate Bangladeshis, the Jalalabad Association of America’s ‘Summer Bash’ became a memorable celebration of Sylheti culture, community and togetherness.

International Desk: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026, becoming the 73rd winner of the prestigious international beauty pageant. The 24-year-old educator, journalist, model and community advocate claimed the crown during the grand finale of the Miss World Festival on September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. She emerged victorious from a field of 111 national representatives at a spectacular seaside final held at 2 April Square.

Mola received the Miss World crown from Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who won the title in 2025. Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés was named first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty finished as second runner-up.

From educator to Miss World

Mola holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana. She works as a Literature and Social Studies teacher, news correspondent and professional model.

She is also the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative focused on expanding access to English-language education for children and young people in vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic.

Her social-impact work played a major role in her Miss World journey. During the final, Mola spoke about using English education to help children express themselves, pursue educational opportunities and build a better future.

Strong performance throughout the competition

Mola’s success was not limited to the final night. She secured a place in the Top 40 after winning the Top Model challenge for the Americas and Caribbean region. She subsequently advanced through the Top 20, Top 12 and Top 6, ultimately winning the Miss World crown.

The final six contestants represented South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Spain, Malaysia and Eritrea. Mola represented the Americas and Caribbean region.

Second Miss World crown for Dominican Republic

Mola’s victory is historic for the Dominican Republic. She becomes only the second woman from the country to win the Miss World title, ending a 44-year wait since Mariasela Álvarez won the country’s first Miss World crown in 1982. Her victory brought celebrations across the Dominican Republic, with national leaders and public figures congratulating her on the historic achievement.

The 2026 competition marked the 75th anniversary of Miss World and was held in Vietnam for the first time. The four-week festival brought together 111 national ambassadors for a series of challenges, cultural activities and social-impact initiatives before the final crown was awarded in Nha Trang.

As the new Miss World, Joheirry Mola will now represent the organization internationally while continuing its Beauty With a Purpose mission and her own work supporting education and young people.

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: 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.

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle, whose versatile voice defined generations of music lovers, has died in Mumbai. She was 92.  Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed the news, saying: “She is no more. Her last rites will be held at 4pm tomorrow at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.”

According to family sources, Asha Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday (April 11) after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle earlier wrote on X.

Known for timeless hits such as “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja”, “Kajra Mohabbat Wala”, “Rangeela Re” and “Dil Cheez Kya Hai”, Bhosle would have turned 93 on September 8 this year. She began her playback career at the age of 10, singing “Chala Chala Nav Bala” for the 1943 Marathi film “Majha Bal”. Over the decades, she became one of Indian cinema’s most versatile voices, equally acclaimed for cabaret numbers, ghazals and classical compositions. Initially typecast for dance numbers, she later earned critical acclaim for songs such as “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “Tora Man Darpan Kehlaye”.

The younger sister of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle was part of the iconic Mangeshkar family, including sisters Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar, and brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar. She often spoke about comparisons and rumours of rivalry with Lata Mangeshkar, saying the bond between them remained strong despite public narratives.

Throughout her career, Bhosle lent her voice to leading actresses across generations, including Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh, Rekha, Urmila Matondkar, Karisma Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. In 2000, she received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. She also won two National Awards for “Umrao Jaan” (1981) and “Ijaazat” (1988).

Even in her later years, Bhosle remained active, performing live concerts and engaging with fans on social media platforms. She last recorded a Hindi film song in 2022 and released a single, “Saiyaan Bina”, at the age of 91. In 2023, she celebrated her 90th birthday with a live concert in Dubai, saying music was her “breath”. “People die when they stop breathing. For me, music is my breath,” she said in an earlier interview.

Asha Bhosle married Ganpatrao Bhosle at 16 and had three children. The marriage later ended in separation. She later married music composer Rahul Dev Burman. The couple did not have children together. She is survived by her son Anand Bhosle.

New York City: On the evening of Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Queens Palace in New York City came alive with the vibrant celebration of Spring Breeze (Boshonto Batash) 2026. The event, filled with music, dance, and cultural performances, drew a large gathering of Bangladeshi expatriates from across New York and surrounding areas. The venue was packed with enthusiastic attendees, and the colorful spring-themed decorations added to the lively and festive atmosphere.

Audience members enjoyed the performances on stage, applauding and joining in the music and dance, creating an interactive and joyous environment. The festival not only entertained but also spread the spirit of spring and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh.

The event was organized by Kamaruzzaman Bukul, Sakil Mia, and Mia Mohammad Dulal, with support from sponsors including Golden Homecare, Highland Builder, and Prem Collection, among other local businesses. The organizers emphasized that the festival was not just a source of entertainment, but also a platform to preserve cultural identity and strengthen bonds of unity and friendship within the expatriate community.

The stage came alive with music and dance performances by Ronty Das, Nazu Akhand, Trinia Hasan, Kamaruzzaman Bukul, Aftab Jony, Amanat Hossain Aman, Onik Raj, and others. The combination of traditional and contemporary performances captivated the audience. The event was hosted by Sharmina Siraj and Mia Mohammad Dulal, who skillfully guided the program and kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

Several prominent community leaders and business figures attended the event, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation. Among them were Shah Newaz, Fahad Solaiman, Nurul Azim, Akbar Haider Kiron, Shah J. Chowdhury, Moinu Chowdhury, Sohel Gazi, and Shahnaz Hossain.

Shah Newaz, owner of Golden Homecare, said, “Spring Breeze 2026 is not just a cultural event; it is a vital platform for preserving the identity and heritage of our expatriate community. Events like this strengthen unity and friendship among us.”

Fahad Solaiman, business leader and community advocate, added, “As the audience enjoys the music, dance, and performances, they are also experiencing and celebrating our cultural heritage. This festival demonstrates the importance of platforms that promote cultural awareness and artistic interest in the expatriate community.”

Nurul Azim said, “I am delighted to see the Bangladeshi community coming together to celebrate their culture. The event brought joy to children, youth, and elders alike, and such gatherings are essential for preserving our heritage across generations.”

Akbar Haider Kiron stated, “Spring Breeze is not just a source of entertainment; it reflects our identity and showcases our culture on an international stage.”

Shah J. Chowdhury said, “It is wonderful to witness the vibrant participation of New York’s Bangladeshi community. This event reflects the strength, energy, and unity of our community.”

Moinu Chowdhury remarked, “The performers delivered outstanding performances tonight. The audience’s excitement and appreciation inspire all of us, and we hope to organize even bigger and higher-quality events in the future.”

Sohel Gazi said, “Spring Breeze proves that cultural events are not just about entertainment; they are a noble means of preserving our identity and heritage. Such events are a source of pride for our community.”

Shahnaz Hossain added, “Today’s program combined entertainment and education, bringing joy to children, youth, and elders alike. We hope to continue organizing even larger events to bring the community together in the years ahead.”

“Spring Breeze 2026” was more than a cultural event; it became a symbol of unity, joy, and the vibrant spirit of the Bangladeshi expatriate community. Children, youth, and elders all immersed themselves in the performances, enjoying and celebrating the richness of their heritage.

The finale left a lasting impression on the audience, who responded with applause, cheers, and overwhelming enthusiasm. The event highlighted that the Bangladeshi community in New York is not only preserving its cultural identity but also inspiring the next generation to embrace and celebrate their traditions.

As a unique and lively cultural celebration, Spring Breeze 2026 will be remembered as a landmark event in the New York Bangladeshi community’s calendar.