Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Continuing its annual tradition, Graphics World, located in Jackson Heights, New York, has been hosting a month-long Iftar gathering during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative has been organized by Sakil Mia, owner of Graphics World and president of the Jackson Heights Elakabashi Organization.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, expatriate Bangladeshis along with people from various communities have been gathering there daily to participate in Iftar. Amid the busy life of expatriates, the gathering has turned into a warm social reunion for the community.

Before Iftar each day, guests engage in friendly conversations, exchange greetings, and discuss the significance of Ramadan, creating a sincere and welcoming atmosphere. The Iftar gathering is attended by community leaders, activists, poets, writers, journalists, businesspeople, employees of Graphics World, as well as friends and family members from different walks of life. Many attendees expressed that such gatherings help strengthen brotherhood, harmony, and mutual relationships among expatriate Bangladeshis.

Organizer Sakil Mia said that the holy month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification, compassion, and self-restraint. He noted that the annual Iftar gathering is arranged to strengthen bonds among people living abroad and to bring everyone together.

“We want everyone to share the joy of Ramadan together even while living abroad. This Iftar gathering is part of that effort,” he said.

He also mentioned that new guests join the Iftar gathering every day throughout the month, making the event more vibrant. Attendees have also praised the initiative, saying that such gatherings help promote harmony and unity within the Bangladeshi community in the diaspora.

The month-long Iftar program has created a festive atmosphere among expatriate Bangladeshis living in Jackson Heights. The event is supported by Anwar Hossain, Muhammad Mohiuddin, Mohammad Sayem, Abdullah Noman, Amir Hamza, Shyamal, and many others.

Among those present at the Iftar gathering were mainstream leader Fahad Solaiman; writer and journalist Akbar Haider Kiron; children’s writer Humayun Kabir Dhali; Nurul Azim, president of the Elite Club; Lion Ahsan Habib; artist Kamaruzzaman Bokul; Shahidul Islam, editor of Weekly Thikana Barta; Monjur Hossain, publisher of Desh newspaper; editor Mizanur Rahman; Moshiur Rahman Mazumder, news editor and publisher; photojournalist Nihar Siddiqui; Yasin K Joy; Amanat Hossain Aman; Sarwar Babu; Razu Biplob, president of Ruposhi Chandpur Foundation; its general secretary Gazi Sohel; Mohammad Shafi; journalist Abu Nasr; businessman Moinu Chowdhury; Mohammad Saeed, editor of Weekly Probash; and Shibbir Ahmed, chairman of the editorial board of Dewal Patrika and NewsNow, among others.

Commenting on the event, mainstream leader Fahad Solaiman said, “Such gatherings are extremely important to maintain brotherhood and unity among the Bangladeshi community abroad. Sakil Mia’s initiative certainly deserves appreciation.”

Writer and journalist Akbar Haider Kiron said, “This type of Iftar gathering plays an important role in strengthening communication and goodwill among expatriates. It creates a sense of family-like bonding within the community.”

Children’s writer Humayun Kabir Dhali said, “Ramadan teaches us restraint and humanity. Such gatherings give the new generation growing up abroad an opportunity to connect with our culture and religious values.”

Nurul Azim, president of the Elite Club, said, “Such noble initiatives bring people together and deepen mutual relationships. I express my sincere gratitude to the organizers.”

News editor and publisher Moshiur Rahman Mazumder said, “These types of Iftar gatherings play an important role in strengthening communication and goodwill among expatriate Bangladeshis. Ramadan teaches us patience, compassion, and humanity. The month-long Iftar organized at Graphics World is strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and unity within the community.”

The Iftar menu at Graphics World includes dates, chickpeas, puffed rice, onion fritters, jilapi, sherbet, various fruits, chicken nuggets, haleem, mashed mango, tehari, khichuri, meat, and many other traditional dishes.

Among those present and assisting in the organization were Zed Alam Nomi, general secretary of the Jackson Heights Elakabashi Organization; joint conveners Aftab Jony and Shams Jony; Kazi Aminul Islam Swapan; Golam M. Haidar Mukut; Iktaruzzaman Ratan; Ashrafuzzaman Ashraf; coordinator Rafiqul Islam Dalim; Professor Monirul Islam Khan; Mofizur Rahman; BN Badshah; Jibon Shafik; Shawn Babla; Faruk Hossain Mazumder; Nazmul Hossain Babu; A.Z.M. Jahangir; vice president Mohammad Manik Babu; assistant general secretary Mia Mohammad Dulal; chief adviser Mir Nizamul Haque; Marshal Murad; Mazharul Robin; Professor Rafiqul Islam; Namis Ahmed; Maksudul Haque Chowdhury; Mazharul Islam Jony; Mahbubur Rahman Mukul; joint member secretary A.B. Siddiq Patwari; Jahangir Alam Joy; Sheikh Noman Polash; Asadul Islam Asad; Shafiuddin Mia; Khulku Rahman; businessman Rana Ahmed; Anisul Kabir Jasir; Mohammad Khokon; realtor Hasan and many others.

The Iftar gathering organized by Graphics World remains open to everyone. The ongoing month-long event continues to spread the message of harmony, unity, and community spirit among expatriate Bangladeshis during Ramadan.

New York: Toby Ann Stavisky met with members of the Bangladeshi diaspora at a Nabanno Party Iftar gathering in Jackson Heights. The event was organized by the Global Bangladeshi Alliance (GBA), CUDC, and BATC. The meeting was presided over by GBA President Mizanur Rahman, while Administrative Director Ahmed Sohel served as the host of the program.

During the gathering, Senator Stavisky officially announced her candidacy for the upcoming New York State Senate election, with the primary election scheduled for June 21. Addressing the audience, she asked members of the Bangladeshi-American community for their support and cooperation in the upcoming election.

The event was attended by a large number of Bangladeshi community leaders, activists, and journalists from across New York. Many participants expressed their appreciation for the senator’s continued engagement with the Bangladeshi community and assured her of their support in the upcoming election.

Senator Stavisky thanked the community for their warm reception and recognized the important role Bangladeshi-Americans play in the social, cultural, and political life of New York.

DHAKA – Five Bangladeshi migrant workers were killed and two others seriously injured in a fire that broke out early Thursday on Dhigurah Island in the Maldives, the Bangladesh High Commission in Malé said. The deceased were identified as Taj Uddin Islam, Md Sadar Ali, Md Robin Molla, Shafiqul Islam and Md Nurnabi Sarkar.

According to the Bangladesh High Commission, two other Bangladeshi workers—Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hossain—sustained serious injuries in the incident. They are currently undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé.

The High Commission said it is closely monitoring the situation and has taken necessary steps to facilitate the early repatriation of the bodies of the deceased to Bangladesh. Diplomatic officials are also maintaining contact with the relevant authorities in the Maldives regarding the incident.

New York: The annual Iftar and prayer gathering organized by the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, one of the well-known social organizations in New York, was successfully held amid the participation of the Muslim community, mainstream politicians, elected officials, prominent non-Muslim leaders, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

The event, titled “Annual Community Iftar,” marked its 23rd edition this year. Among the distinguished attendees were one of the most influential members of the U.S. Congress, Congresswoman Grace Meng, along with representatives from the New York City Mayor’s Office, the Queens Borough President’s Office, the Queens District Office, media editors, senior journalists, and many notable community leaders.

According to the organizers, more than 350 guests attended the event, which was held on Friday evening, February 27, at Sirajee Kabab House in Fresh Meadows, New York, turning the gathering into a vibrant community reunion.

In a solemn and spiritual atmosphere, guests were welcomed by the founder and president of the organization, Fakhrul Islam Delwar, who is also the Secretary of the Jamaica Muslim Center (JMC), along with Friends Society General Secretary Enayet Munshi, members of the organizing committee, and executive committee officials.

The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Adel Siddique. This was followed by a discussion on the significance of the holy month of Ramadan by Imam Hasan Akbar. A special prayer (dua) was later conducted by Maulana Mirza Abu Zafar Beg, Khatib and Imam of the Jamaica Muslim Center.

Before and after the Iftar, brief remarks were delivered by several distinguished guests including prominent businessman Lion Shah Newaz, chairman of Shah Newaz Group; Dr. Nazmul H. Khan, President of the JMC Management Committee; Ataur Rahman Selim, President of the Bangladesh Society; Engineer Mohammad Sadeq, representative of the Queens Borough President; Roza, representative of the New York City Health Department; Rokeya Akter, representative of the Queens District Office; local police precinct commander Black Lorten; Dr. Dilip Kumar G, Secretary General of the UN Religious Committee; Rachana Ghosh, President of the Sri Chinmoy Center; ABM Osman Gani, Chief Advisor of the Friends Society; Professor Shahadat Hossain, advisor; AFM Misbahuzzaman, Senior Vice President; former president Bilal Chowdhury; Akib Hossain of Meadowbrook Mortgage; Dr. Evan Khan, CEO of Khan’s Tutorial; Raj Goel, candidate for New York State Comptroller; Mohammad Molla, candidate for the upcoming election in New York State Assembly District 32; Mahtab Khan, candidate for State Assembly District 24; and Abdul Matin, Senior Vice President of Pabna Welfare Association USA, among others.

A Hamd and Naat performance were presented by the younger generation artist Ridwana Rahman Rahi. The program was jointly hosted by Mohammad Shahidullah, Convener of the Annual Community Iftar Committee, Ismail Hossain Swapan, Member Secretary, and Enayet Munshi, General Secretary of the Friends Society. In her speech, Congresswoman Grace Meng strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and highly praised the contributions and activities of the Bangladeshi community, particularly the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.

Among the media representatives present were Nazmul Ahsan, Editor of Weekly Porichoy; Mizanur Rahman, Editor of Weekly Desh; ABM Salahuddin Ahmed, Editor of Weekly Haqkotha, UN News Agency and Ajker Telegram; Shahidul Islam, News Editor of Weekly Thikana; Belal Ahmed, Editor of Gemini Magazine; journalist SM Solaiman and photojournalist Nihar Siddiqui.

Other notable attendees included Pir Shah Mohammad Saifullah Siddiq of Charmonai, Mohiuddin Dewan, Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Society; Kamruzzaman Kamrul, Vice President; Mohammad Ali, General Secretary; Trustee Board member Ahsan Habib; former General Secretary Ruhul Amin Siddiqui; former official Nurul Haque; Friends Society advisors Saleh Ahmed, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, and Professor Husne Ara Begum; Rabbi Syed, General Secretary of Jamaica Bangladeshi Association (JBA); Rokon Hakim, Acting General Secretary of Jalalabad Association of America; Rokon, CEO of Raju Law Firm; Omar Bin, head of Ethinal Home Care; Fazlur Rahman of Al Harmain Group; Abdul Mannan, Director of Reliable Home Care; prominent businessman Kazi Helal; and real estate investor Nurul Azim, among others.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Friends Society President Fakhrul Islam Delwar. The successful organization of the event was supported by Co-Convener Muhammad Kamrul Islam Soni, Coordinator J. Molla Sani, Akhtar Babul, Naushad Haidar, Sharif Hossain, Joint Member Secretaries Himu Mia, Saidul Islam, Iqbal Ahmed, and Mohin Uddin Patowary, as well as executive member Riju Mohammad.

DHAKA – National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided to resume its suspended Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester route from July 1 following completion of this year’s Hajj operations, responding to passenger demand and government directives.

The decision was taken in line with the instructions of the Minister and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, according to a Biman press release issued today. Biman Bangladesh said the Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester route, which had remained suspended for some time, would be reopened to facilitate travel for passengers, particularly members of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United Kingdom.

The airline added that the flight schedule and other operational details of the service will be announced in due course. The move is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Bangladesh and the UK, one of the key destinations for Bangladeshi expatriates.

New York: On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Ruposhi Chandpur Foundation Inc., New York organized an Iftar and prayer gathering. The event was held on Monday (March 9) at Queens Palace, where a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates and distinguished members of the community from various professions participated. The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a special prayer seeking the welfare and prosperity of the country and the nation.

In their speeches, the speakers highlighted the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and called for strengthening brotherhood, harmony, and social bonds among Bangladeshis living abroad. They encouraged everyone to work together in unity, inspired by the teachings of Ramadan. Leaders present at the event on behalf of the organization included President Raju Saha (Biplob), General Secretary Sohel Gazi, Convener Mohammad Nurul Amin, Member Secretary Faisal Patowari, Chief Coordinator A.B. Siddique Patowari, and Chief Patron S.M. Mahbubur Rahman Titu.

Also present were former President and Advisor Harun Bhuiyan, Mostafa Hossain Mukul, Babul Chowdhury, Faruk Hossain Majumdar, Mamun Miazi, Advisor Morshed Alam, Moniruzzaman Majumdar, Dr. Dhananjay Saha, Kabir Ratan, Khorshed Alam Khokon, Md. Monir Hossain, Nazmul Ahsan, Professor Shahadat Hasan, Mazharul Islam Chowdhury Musa, Zaman Tapon, Rafiqul Rahman Mia, Habib Khandakar, Dr. Jahangir Alam, Nur Mohammad, Humayun Kabir, along with other executive members of the organization.

It is worth mentioning that Ruposhi Chandpur Foundation regularly organizes various social and cultural activities among the Bangladeshi community in the diaspora.

The 51st Annual Convention of the Atlantic County Democratic Party was held on Sunday afternoon, March 8. The convention took place at a hall in Egg Harbor City, where leaders, activists, and supporters from various levels of the party gathered to participate in the event. The program began with the performance of the United States national anthem, followed by speeches from several Democratic Party leaders.

Chairman Michael Suleiman welcomed and congratulated the party leaders, activists, and supporters attending the convention. He also presented awards to several leaders in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the progress of the party.

During the convention, party candidates running for various positions, including congressional seats in the upcoming New Jersey Primary Election, delivered their remarks.

Among those present at the convention were South Asian American Democratic leaders Subrata Chowdhury, Syed Shahid, and Nasir Sheikh. Other notable attendees included Aaron Randolph, Councilman of Atlantic City; Kalim Shabazz, also a councilman of Atlantic City; Constant Mendy Days Chapman, Chairwoman of the Atlantic City Democratic Committee; and Jeff Dorsey, among other party leaders.

At the conclusion of the program, Chairman Michael Suleiman thanked everyone involved for their efforts in making the convention a success.

Shahnewaz Group organized its annual Iftar gathering during the holy month of Ramadan in a spiritually solemn atmosphere, continuing its tradition of hosting the event every year. The program was held on March 5 at Gulshan Terrace in Woodside. Guests were welcomed by prominent businessman Lion Shahnewaz, President of Shahnewaz Group and Editor of the weekly Ajkal, along with Lion Amena Newaz, Chairperson of the group.

People from various professions and sectors of the New York Bangladeshi community attended the event and joined in prayers before Iftar, seeking the blessings and satisfaction of Almighty Allah.

The program was hosted by Maulana Shahidullah of ITV. Religious discussions were delivered by Imam Kazi Kaiyum and Mirza Abu Jafar Beg, Pesh Imam of the Jamaica Muslim Center. Before Iftar, Mirza Abu Jafar Beg led a special prayer for the well-being and prosperity of the community.

Addressing the guests, Shahnewaz, President of Shahnewaz Group, said that the holy month of Ramadan brings a great opportunity for self-purification and spiritual reflection. He expressed gratitude to the Bangladeshi community, especially the officials of his organizations and respected community members, for their continued support.

“We organize this gathering every year to express our appreciation to the community. With your cooperation, we believe our group’s activities will continue to grow,” he said. He also expressed hope that the upcoming Eid after Ramadan would bring joy and happiness to everyone’s lives.

Among the distinguished guests present at the event were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator John Liu, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim, General Secretary Mohammad Ali, Senior Vice President Mohiuddin Dewan, as well as editors, journalists, community leaders, and prominent members of various organizations in New York.

Senior police officials from New York, leaders of community organizations, media representatives, and many respected members of the Bangladeshi community also attended the gathering. The event concluded with prayers and Iftar, bringing together members of the community in a spirit of unity, faith, and goodwill during the holy month of Ramadan.

An Iftar and prayer gathering held in New York turned into a warm reunion for former students of North South University living abroad. The event was organized by the North South University Alumni Association of USA on Saturday at the elegant Chef Mahal Restaurant in Jackson Heights.

Bangladesh’s Consul General in New York, Mohammad Mozammel Haque, attended the program as the chief guest. In his remarks, he said such initiatives based on education and culture among expatriate Bangladeshis are highly commendable. He noted that these events not only strengthen relationships within the community but also help foster a positive connection with Bangladesh among the younger generation.

Before the Iftar, a special prayer was offered seeking peace, prosperity, and well-being for Bangladesh, the nation, and the global Muslim community.

Former students of North South University who attended the gathering expressed their excitement at having the opportunity to reconnect, exchange views, and reminisce despite the busy schedules of expatriate life.

Renowned journalist and writer Akbar Haider Kiron attended the event as a special invited guest. However, due to sudden health complications, he had to leave the venue shortly after arriving.

The special Iftar and reunion at Chef Mahal created a memorable evening for many attendees. Alumni noted that the event reflected the strong bond among graduates of North South University, one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious higher education institutions.

Organizers said that alumni not only from New York but also from several other states across the United States participated in the event. They also mentioned plans to organize similar Iftar gatherings and reunions in other states in the future.

At the end of the program, participants expressed their commitment to further strengthening connections, collaboration, and social initiatives among North South University alumni living in the United States.

The US Awami League observed the historic March 7, the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and National Children’s Day with due respect and dignity. The program was held at Nabanna Party Center in Jackson Heights, New York—often referred to as the capital of the world—with the presence of leaders and activists from all wings and affiliated organizations of the US Awami League. The hall was filled with party members and supporters.

The event was chaired by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad. Speakers at the event expressed concern that the newly elected BNP government has prevented the proper observance of the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—an address internationally recognized as an epic declaration of independence—thereby pushing the nation toward division.

The speakers also urged the BNP government to immediately withdraw the ban imposed on the Awami League and its affiliated organizations through what they described as an illegal ordinance issued by the “killer-fascist Yunus government.”

Leaders from the US Awami League, New York State and City Awami League, Mahila Awami League, Swechchhasebak League, Jubo League, and the US Chhatra League took part in the discussion.

—Press Release