Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City: A traditional Mezbaan hosted by the Bangladesh Association of South Jersey (BASJ) was held in a festive atmosphere on Tuesday, October 6, at the Bangladesh Community Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event brought together a large number of Bangladeshi Americans from Atlantic City and surrounding areas, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, warmth and community spirit.

The Bangladesh Community Center was bustling with activity throughout the event. While some volunteers were busy preparing the traditional Mezbaani dishes, others focused on welcoming and serving guests. The aroma of authentic Bangladeshi food filled the venue, bringing back memories of the familiar sights, flavors and atmosphere of Bangladesh.

A large number of Bangladeshi community members from Atlantic City and nearby areas attended the Mezbaan with their families and friends. In addition to enjoying traditional food, guests spent time catching up, sharing conversations and exchanging greetings. Local mainstream political leaders also attended the community gathering.

For many attendees, the event was more than simply a meal—it was a celebration of Bangladeshi culture, tradition and community in the diaspora. The Bangladesh Community Center was transformed into a small piece of Bangladesh, as the flavors of Mezbaani cuisine, joyful conversations and heartfelt interactions recreated the spirit of a traditional Mezbaan back home.

Organizers emphasized the importance of hosting cultural events like this for the younger generation growing up in the United States. Such gatherings provide an opportunity for young Bangladeshi Americans to experience and connect with their heritage, traditions and cultural identity.

The Mezbaan generated considerable enthusiasm throughout the Bangladeshi community. For many attendees, the gathering also provided a welcome opportunity to reconnect with friends and acquaintances after a long time. The combination of traditional food, social interaction and cultural bonding helped strengthen relationships within the Bangladeshi-American community.

BASJ President Zahirul Islam Babul, General Secretary Jakirul Islam Khoka, and Trustee Board President Abdur Rafiq participated in the Mezbaan. They expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in organizing and successfully completing the event.

The organizers hope to continue hosting similar cultural programs in the future so that the younger generation of Bangladeshi Americans can remain closely connected to the culture, traditions and social values of Bangladesh.

NEW YORK — Concern is growing in New York’s Bangladeshi community over the disappearance of Kazi Azizul Haque Khokon, who has reportedly been missing for the past three days. Khokon lived alone at his home in Kew Gardens, Queens, and was well known within the Bangladeshi community in Jackson Heights. Friends and acquaintances regularly saw him in Jackson Heights, where he worked at Obokash Store, located near Khamarbari Grocery and Nabanna Restaurant.

People close to Khokon became increasingly concerned after he failed to report to work for three consecutive days. Khokon has also been involved in politics and is known as a leader of the Awami League and president of the US Sramik League. Md. Hamid, publicity secretary of the US Awami League, confirmed Khokon’s disappearance.

According to people familiar with the situation, local police went to Khokon’s residence in Kew Gardens and entered after breaking open the door, but they reportedly found no trace of him.

Awami League adviser Dr. Masuduzzaman has also reportedly contacted several hospitals in an effort to locate Khokon. However, there has been no confirmed information about his whereabouts so far.

The disappearance has caused concern among members and supporters of the US Awami League. Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, president of the US Awami League, said he had learned about the incident shortly before speaking and was heading to Jackson Heights to gather more information.

Khokon reportedly came to the United States about 30 years ago. His family home is in Magura District, Bangladesh. People involved in the search have also been attempting to contact Rana, the owner of Obokash Store.

There has also been speculation among some people that Khokon may have been detained or arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, there is currently no official confirmation from ICE, police, or other law enforcement authorities that he has been detained or arrested.

Khokon’s family, coworkers, friends and community members are appealing for assistance in locating him. Anyone with reliable information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities or people close to the family.

Md. Mashiur Rahman Majumder, New York — The America-Bangladesh Press Club marked its 18th anniversary with a seminar, publication of a commemorative magazine, awards and a cultural program in New York. The event was held Tuesday, September 29, at the Gulshan Terrace auditorium in Woodside. The seminar focused on the theme “The Global Media Crisis: Challenges to Media Survival,” bringing together journalists, editors, academics and diplomats to discuss the changing media landscape in Bangladesh, the United States and around the world.

Speakers examined the challenges facing Bangladesh’s media, the professional experiences of Bangladeshi journalists living in the United States, and the impact of social media, artificial intelligence and changing audience habits on traditional journalism. Several speakers emphasized the importance of responsible, objective and investigative journalism. They also discussed concerns over political favoritism, misinformation and declining public trust in news organizations.

The seminar was chaired by America-Bangladesh Press Club President Shawkat Osman Rachi and moderated by former club president Darpan Kabir. Guests included Gholam Mortuza, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Consul General of Bangladesh in New York; and veteran journalist Manzur Ahmed. Panelists included veteran journalist Saeed Tarek; journalist Moinuddin Naser; Bangladesh Patrika editor Dr. Wazed A. Khan; Janmabhumi editor Ratan Talukdar; Prothom Alo North America editor Ibrahim Chowdhury; Probash editor and former Press Club president Mohammad Sayeed; and Shoeb Ahmed Bhuiyan, a lecturer at Columbia University.

Press Club General Secretary Mashiur Rahman Majumder delivered the welcome address. Treasurer Mallika Khan Muna, Vice President Mohammad Manzurul Haque and Joint General Secretary Abu Bakar Siddiq also delivered congratulatory remarks. During the seminar, moderator Darpan Kabir read an article titled “How Is Bangladesh’s Media Doing?” by Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin. Panelists subsequently discussed various aspects of the article and the broader challenges facing journalism.

Veteran journalist Manzur Ahmed said that when media outlets engage in misinformation, propaganda or attempts to conceal the truth, audiences will turn to social media and other alternative sources for information. Such practices, he said, can undermine the credibility of mainstream media. He also stressed the importance of journalists developing strong news-writing skills and maintaining a habit of reading and learning, noting concerns over the decline of traditional reporting skills.

Bangladesh Embassy Press Minister Gholam Mortuza discussed the role of media owners and editors in the challenges facing Bangladesh’s media. He said political favoritism has contributed to a loss of public confidence in some media organizations. Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque said audiences want accurate information and objective journalism. He noted that social media has become an important source of information in today’s media environment.

Veteran journalist Saeed Tarek said journalism in Bangladesh has changed significantly from the 1960s and 1970s. He pointed to the challenges created by social media and also noted that financial difficulties, including problems with journalists receiving regular salaries, can affect responsible journalism.

Dr. Wazed A. Khan said the media industry is facing challenges worldwide as audience behavior continues to change. He highlighted the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence on print and electronic media and emphasized the responsibility of professional news organizations to verify information and counter misinformation.

Journalist Moinuddin Naser stressed the importance of integrity in journalism, saying honesty must remain a fundamental principle of the profession. Shoeb Ahmed Bhuiyan said responsible journalism becomes difficult when journalists become overly aligned with those in power. He also noted that a country’s economic conditions can have an impact on its media industry and broader society.

Probash editor Mohammad Sayeed said Bangla-language media outlets in the diaspora play an important role in building community connections and maintaining ties between Bangladesh and expatriate Bangladeshis. He also pointed to declining readership and challenges facing community newspapers abroad.

Ibrahim Chowdhury, editor of Prothom Alo North America, said the media crisis is not new and has appeared in different forms over time. He cautioned against attributing the current challenges solely to artificial intelligence or technology, saying changes in technology, audience behavior, news consumption and media business models have all contributed to the transformation of journalism.

Janmabhumi editor Ratan Talukdar said media challenges existed in the past and will continue in the future. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant to prevent false information from being presented as news. Following the seminar, organizers cut a cake to mark the Press Club’s 18th anniversary. The commemorative publication “Alokbartika”, released to mark the club’s milestone, was also unveiled during the event. Publication editor Tofazzal Liton delivered remarks on the occasion.

The America-Bangladesh Press Club also honored singer M.A. Soaib and actress Moushumi with special commemorative awards. Renowned singer Rathindranath Roy presented the award to M.A. Soaib, while Press Minister Gholam Mortuza and Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque presented the award to actress Moushumi.

Guests were welcomed with roses by representatives of the Press Club. The evening concluded with a cultural program featuring musical performances by M.A. Soaib and Tina Russell. Community leaders, journalists, businesspeople, cultural figures and Press Club members attended the anniversary celebration with their families.

Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City — The Bengal Club in Atlantic City, New Jersey, celebrated the anniversary of Bangladesh’s popular satellite television network Channel i with a festive gathering featuring cake cutting, music and community camaraderie. The celebration was held Friday night, October 2, at the Bengal Club auditorium, where members of the Bangladeshi-American community gathered to mark the occasion.

Channel i’s New Jersey correspondent and journalist Subrata Chowdhury attended the event as a special guest. Bengal Club officials presented him with a floral tribute as a gesture of congratulations on the occasion of Channel i’s anniversary. Community leaders and organizers, including Shahru Raja Chowdhury, Anisur Rahman and Md. Kaiser, delivered congratulatory remarks during the program.

Speakers highlighted Channel i’s longstanding role in connecting Bangladeshis at home and abroad with the country’s news, culture and traditions. They noted that the channel has continued to serve as a link between Bangladesh and Bangladeshi communities living in different parts of the world. The evening also featured musical performances by Helal Hasan and Masum Baul, along with greetings, conversations and informal gatherings among attendees.

The celebration concluded with cake cutting and expressions of goodwill from members of the Bangladeshi community. Participants wished Channel i continued success and growth in the years ahead and praised its contribution to promoting Bangladeshi culture and heritage among expatriate communities.

DHAKA — Bangladesh has formally opened its embassy in Ireland, establishing a permanent diplomatic platform to strengthen bilateral relations, expand cooperation and enhance engagement with the Bangladeshi community in the country. The embassy began its administrative operations on Thursday from a temporary chancery at Alexandra House in Ballsbridge, Dublin, an area that hosts several diplomatic missions, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mohammed Nore Alam, Bangladesh’s ambassador-designate to Ireland, assumed charge of the mission on Thursday. He is expected to present his credentials to the President of Ireland in due course. The establishment of the resident embassy marks a new milestone in Bangladesh-Ireland relations and is expected to facilitate closer diplomatic engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, the ministry said.

The embassy will also serve as a dedicated platform for engaging with the estimated 25,000 Bangladeshi nationals living in Ireland. Passport, visa and other consular services will be introduced after the necessary administrative and logistical arrangements are completed. The services will be available to Bangladeshi nationals as well as other eligible applicants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said details regarding the launch of consular services, including dates, procedures and other relevant information, will be announced through official channels. Bangladesh said it looks forward to further developing its friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Ireland through the newly established resident embassy.

Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City, New Jersey : Community leaders in Atlantic City and South Jersey have called for unity within the Bangladeshi-American community amid growing concerns, frustration, and division surrounding the newly inaugurated permanent Shaheed Minar in Atlantic City.

Leaders of various political, social, cultural, regional, and community organizations, along with representatives of civil society, held a press conference Wednesday night, September 30, at the Bengal Club auditorium in Atlantic City. Helal Hasan presented a written statement on behalf of the organizers. At the outset, the organizers emphasized that the press conference was not intended to personally attack any individual or organization. They said their primary objectives were to present historical facts, uphold the dignity and significance of the Shaheed Minar, and advocate for unity and the collective rights of the Bangladeshi community.

The press conference featured remarks from writer and journalist Ibrahim Chowdhury, Helal Hasan, Ali Chowdhury, Mohammad Didar, Sheikh Amin, Saeed Doha, Paplu Chowdhury, Faruk Hossain, Enamul Haque, Sabur Mia, Akbar Hossain, Mohammad Shaheen, Subrata Chowdhury, Zakir Hossain, Monirul Alam Babu, Aulad Hossain, Faruk Talukdar, and others.

Speakers said the Shaheed Minar, a symbol of the Bengali Language Movement and the sacrifices of the martyrs, should serve as a unifying symbol for the Bangladeshi community. They expressed concern that if further division develops around a monument intended to represent unity, the physical presence of a permanent Shaheed Minar alone will not be enough to uphold the spirit and values of Ekushey February.

The speakers strongly condemned what they described as efforts to create division within the community surrounding the inauguration of the permanent Shaheed Minar. They called on community members to put differences aside and work together to preserve the monument’s dignity and historical significance. The community leaders also called on everyone to stand together at the same Shaheed Minar on February 21, when Bangladeshis and Bengali communities around the world observe International Mother Language Day and commemorate the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

They stressed that future generations deserve more than a permanent monument. According to the speakers, the community should also leave behind an accurate history, respect for the sacrifices of the language martyrs, and a united Bangladeshi-American community. The speakers said the permanent Shaheed Minar in Atlantic City can become a meaningful symbol of Bengali heritage and history if the community works collectively to preserve its dignity and promote unity.

FLORIDA: The Florida State Awami League organized a discussion meeting and prayer gathering in Lake Worth, Florida, on Saturday to mark the 80th birthday of Sheikh Hasina, president of the Bangladesh Awami League. The event, held in the evening at Krazy Mario Restaurant, was attended by leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers of the Florida State Awami League.

The program began with a special prayer seeking Sheikh Hasina’s good health, long life and well-being. The event was chaired by Florida State Awami League President and freedom fighter Nannu Ahmed and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Mujib Uddin.

M. Fazlur Rahman, a freedom fighter and president of the U.S. Awami League’s Southern Chapter, was the keynote speaker. He discussed Sheikh Hasina’s political career, leadership and role in Bangladesh’s politics. In his remarks, Rahman said that people in Bangladesh are recognizing what he described as the need for Sheikh Hasina’s leadership under the current circumstances and want to see her serve again as prime minister. He also credited Sheikh Hasina’s government with progress in various sectors, including the economy, food, electricity, energy and gas.

Rahman expressed hope that Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh in December. He also called on party leaders and activists to maintain organizational unity and continue their activities. Other speakers included Florida State Awami League Vice Presidents Salma Rahman Minu, Imtiaz Hasan, Nafiz Ahmed, Sheikh Babul and M. Rahman Zahir; Bangabandhu Parishad President Engineer Ikramul Islam Bhuiyan; freedom fighter Bulbul Chowdhury; Organizing Secretary Sazzadur Rahman; Mozammel Hossain; Sirajul Islam; Mohammad Chhadurul; and Bangladesh Mahila Awami League Vice President Dolly Ahmed, Lina Haque and Rabeya Begum, among others.

Speakers discussed various aspects of Sheikh Hasina’s political career, leadership and role in Bangladesh’s politics at different times. They also prayed for her good health and long life. In closing remarks, Florida State Awami League President Nannu Ahmed and General Secretary Mujib Uddin thanked the leaders, guests, supporters and well-wishers who attended the program.

NEW YORK: The U.S. chapter of the Bangabandhu Foundation marked the 80th birthday of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at an event in New York on Monday. Members, supporters and leaders of the organization cut a birthday cake during the celebration and raised slogans including “Bangladesh is blessed because of Sheikh Hasina,” “Sheikh Hasina, don’t be afraid—we are with you,” and “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”

Participants at the event also expressed their intention to welcome Sheikh Hasina back to Dhaka by December, according to organizers. Among those attending were Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, central president of the Bangabandhu Foundation and former foreign minister of Bangladesh; Abdul Kader Mia, president of the foundation’s U.S. chapter; Senior Vice President Engineer Md. Fazlul Haque; Vice Presidents Md. Zafarullah, Afsar Mohammad and Abu Taher M. Rahman; General Secretary Kamal Hossain Mithu; and Joint General Secretaries Alim Khan Akash and Ariful Islam Arif.

The event was also attended by the foundation’s Communications Director and freedom fighter Lablu Ansar, along with leaders and community members including Nazrul Islam Babul, Mobasher Hossain, Abdul Jalil, M.A. Kadir, community leader Abul Hashem, Sirajul Maola, Abul Hasan Mahiuuddin, Mosharraf Hossain Abdul Hamid, Abul Kashem, Idris Alam, Yasin Arafat Bappi and Ahsan Ullah Saki, among others.

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.

Humayun Kabir Dhali, New York: Election activities have intensified among the Bangladeshi-American community in New York ahead of the Bangladesh Society, Inc. Election 2026. As part of its campaign activities, the Selim-Ali Panel held a large workers’ meeting and formally introduced its Queens-Woodside Center Election Management Committee on Wednesday evening, September 30, at Nabanna Party Hall in Jackson Heights.

The event was organized by the Queens-Woodside Center Election Management Committee of the Selim-Ali Panel. Community leaders, social activists, campaign workers, supporters and voters from Queens and surrounding areas attended the gathering. The Selim-Ali Panel is led by Ataur Rahman Selim, candidate for president, and Mohammad Ali, candidate for general secretary. Speakers at the meeting highlighted their previous involvement in community activities and outlined their priorities for the upcoming Bangladesh Society election.

The speakers said that strengthening the Bangladesh Society, protecting the interests of expatriate Bangladeshis, expanding social and cultural programs, and providing support to community members during times of need should remain among the organization’s key priorities. They also emphasized the importance of engaging younger generations of Bangladeshi Americans with the mainstream community, supporting senior citizens and assisting newly arrived immigrants.

During the meeting, the newly formed Queens-Woodside Center Election Management Committee was introduced to the attendees. Campaign organizers also discussed strategies for reaching voters across the area and maintaining direct communication with community members throughout the election campaign.

Supporters of the Selim-Ali Panel said they would work to take the panel’s message to voters throughout Queens and encourage greater participation in the election process. They also stressed the importance of conducting campaign activities in an organized manner while complying with the election rules.

Speakers at the gathering said that experienced and community-focused leadership is important for making the Bangladesh Society more effective and responsive to the needs of its members. Supporters expressed confidence in the leadership of Ataur Rahman Selim and Mohammad Ali and called for continued community engagement ahead of the election.

According to information published by the Bangladesh Society Election Commission, the Bangladesh Society Election 2026 is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2026. The meeting concluded with organizers thanking the invited guests, community members, campaign workers and members of the media for attending the event.