NEW YORK — U.S. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks has called for collective efforts to help restore normalcy in Bangladesh, strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and protect press freedom. Meeks, the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the remarks during an exchange meeting with members of the Bangladeshi-American community in New York on September 28.

Speaking about Bangladesh’s political situation, Meeks said he expects Democrats to regain majorities in both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections. He said that if he again becomes chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he intends to visit Bangladesh, observe the situation firsthand and work through Congress to provide appropriate direction to the U.S. administration.

Meeks also referred to a December 23, 2025 letter that he and four other members of Congress sent to Bangladesh’s then-Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The letter urged the interim government to work with political parties across the political spectrum to create conditions for free, fair and inclusive elections and to restore confidence in the neutrality of state institutions.

The lawmakers also expressed concern that suspending the activities of a political party or restarting what they described as a flawed International Crimes Tribunal would undermine those objectives. Meeks said Bangladesh needs stronger democratic institutions, effective rule of law and safeguards for media freedom.

Turning to the United States, the congressman also expressed concern about what he described as growing pressure on media outlets and dissenting voices. Referring to disputes involving CNN, Politico and MS NOW and their access to the White House and Air Force One, he said measures affecting the media and people expressing dissent were inconsistent with American democratic values.

Meeks said he wanted to see Bangladesh return to a stable political environment. He also pledged that, if he again serves as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he would visit Bangladesh and engage with relevant authorities regarding the country’s situation.

Bangladesh Situation Discussed

The exchange meeting was organized with the assistance of Sector Commanders Forum-Muktijuddho ’71 and the Bangabandhu Foundation. Bangabandhu Foundation President Abdul Kader Mia chaired the event, while Queens Democratic Party District Leader Dr. Dilip Nath moderated it.

Former Bangladeshi Foreign Minister and former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations A.K. Abdul Momen and former National Press Club President Farida Yasmin spoke about Bangladesh’s political and social situation. They alleged that opposition voices and political activists had faced arrests, violence and legal cases following the July-August 2024 protests and the formation of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

They also alleged that members and supporters of the Awami League had been subjected to violence and that religious minorities had faced attacks. The speakers further criticized the suspension of Awami League activities, alleged mistreatment of freedom fighters and legal action against journalists whose reporting they said was not favored by the government.

The speakers called for the lifting of restrictions on the Awami League and urged the U.S. Congress to support what they described as the need for an early election. They also sought congressional intervention for the release of journalists and other political detainees facing what they characterized as politically motivated murder cases.

Bangladeshi-American Community Leaders Attend

At the beginning of the event, Abdul Kader Mia welcomed Congressman Meeks by presenting him with a traditional uttariya amid applause from attendees. Also present on the stage were Bangabandhu Foundation Senior Vice President Engineer Md. Fazlul Haque, Bangladesh Muslim Center of Brooklyn President Alhaj Abul Hashem, community organizer Enamul Haque Shamim, Aminul Islam Amin and Nazrul Islam Babu. The United States Bangabandhu Parishad, Sandwip Pourashava Welfare Association and Haque Medical Office served as co-hosts of the event.

Among the attendees were writer, columnist and editor Naim Nizam; World Bangla 24 TV CEO Alim Khan Akash; journalist Sultana Rahman; freedom fighter and journalist Lablu Ansar; journalist Sazzad Hossain Sobuj; Jago Prohori Editorial Board President Dr. Mahabbur Rahman Tuku; Sheikh Kamal Smriti Parishad President and freedom fighter Dr. Masudul Hasan; Sandwip Association Convener Sirajul Mawla; former Sandwip Association President Nazrul Islam Babul; Sandwip Pourashava Welfare Association President Md. Zafarullah; Sandwip Education and Cultural Society President Mosharraf Hossain, Secretary Abdul Hamid and Treasurer Ahsan Ullah Saki.

Others included community leader Mobasher Hossain, freedom fighter Kadir Mia, freedom fighter and businessman Saraf Sarkar, social organizer Sakhawat Ali, businessman and community organizer Ifzal Chowdhury, Chattogram Association General Secretary Ariful Islam Arif, Bauria Janakalyan Association Adviser Abul Kashem, Ekattor Genocide Foundation founder and freedom fighter Dr. Pradip Kar, community leader Abdul Jalil, Afsar Mohammad, Abu Taher M. Rahman, Yasin Arafat Bappi, politician Baker Bhuiyan, Democrat Morshed Alam, Engineer Mohammad Ali Siddiqui and Imdad Chowdhury, among others.

The guests were introduced by Bangabandhu Foundation Secretary Kamal Hossain Mithu. Dipa Nath, president of NAVA, and Linda Ramparteb coordinated fundraising activities for the congressman.

Call for Unity

In his closing remarks, Abdul Kader Mia thanked the attendees and called for unity to help Bangladesh overcome what he described as misrule. He urged the community to learn from past mistakes and move forward with the goal of completing what he described as the unfinished work of building “Sonar Bangla,” referring to the political vision associated with the country’s founding leadership.

JAMAICA, Queens, New York — Liberty Brokerage, a well-known insurance brokerage serving New York City, is preparing to open its new main office in Jamaica, Queens, during the second week of October. The company says the new location is intended to make its customer services more convenient, faster and more accessible for customers and professional drivers. Liberty Brokerage’s new main office will be located at 169-20 Hillside Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432.

The company’s existing Woodside office at 41-05 69th Street, Woodside, NY 11377, will remain open and continue providing customer services as a branch office, according to the company. Liberty Brokerage offers a range of insurance brokerage services at competitive prices, including TLC insurance, private auto insurance, commercial auto insurance, and home and business insurance.

DMV Express Services

In addition to insurance services, customers can access New York State DMV Express services through the same office. The DMV Express service allows customers to handle a variety of DMV-related services without having to visit a DMV office in person. Services include new vehicle registration, new license plates, registration renewals, customized license plates, new titles and Defensive Driving Course certificate services, among others.

TLC Plate and Vehicle Rental Services

Liberty Brokerage also provides TLC plate and TLC vehicle rentals on weekly and monthly terms. For drivers seeking a new TLC plate, as well as existing TLC plate owners, the company also offers a free TLC base service for Black and Green Cabs, according to the company. With the opening of the Jamaica office, Liberty Brokerage expects to make its services more accessible to professional drivers and members of the Bangladeshi-American community in Queens and across New York City.

The company says the new location is designed to serve as a one-stop service point for professional drivers, bringing insurance, DMV-related services and TLC services together in one location. For customer service and additional information, Liberty Brokerage can be reached at 718-567-5600.

New York : New York’s iconic Times Square is set to host a vibrant two-day celebration of Mahalaya and Durga Puja on October 10 and 11, bringing together religious rituals, Bengali culture, music and dance in the heart of Manhattan. The celebration, being held at Times Square for the second time, will feature Chandi Path, Gita recitations by children and teenagers, Durga Puja rituals, Anjali, traditional Dhunuchi dance, cultural performances and special concerts featuring popular artists from Bangladesh, India and the United States.

Organizers say the event is intended not only to celebrate the religious significance of Durga Puja but also to showcase Bengali cultural heritage on an international stage and strengthen younger generations’ connection with their cultural roots. Details of the two-day program were announced at a press conference in New York on September 27 attended by organizers, cultural leaders and community representatives.

Two days of religion, music and culture

The press conference was addressed by organization president Shashadhar Howlader, General Secretary Nirupama Saha, adviser and Cultural Association of Bengal (CAB) President Ashok Raksit, New York Bangladesh Hindu Community social worker Nabendu Dey, Vedanta Society President Rina Saha, Adda Academy Director Alpana Guha, and organizing committee officials Anupam Dey, Rohan Rawat and Soma Mukherjee.

Music Sadhana Academy Director Malabika Chatterjee, Nrityanjali Academy Director Chandra Banerjee, and priest Prabash Chakraborty also spoke at the press conference. Opening the press conference, Shashadhar Howlader said preparations were complete for the second Durga Puja celebration at Times Square.

He said one of the main objectives of the event is to preserve and showcase Bengali religious and cultural traditions abroad while helping younger generations maintain a stronger connection with their heritage.

October 10: Chandi Path, Gita recitation, music and dance

The first day, Saturday, October 10, will begin at 11 a.m. with Chandi Path by Satyam Roy Chowdhury. This will be followed by a Gita recitation by Bengali-American children and teenagers who have grown up in New York. The segment will be coordinated by Sutipa Chowdhury. Artists from Sangeet Sadhana Academy, under the direction of Malabika Chatterjee, will then present the opening musical program.

One of the major attractions of the first day will be a large-scale dance presentation featuring more than 60 performers from Nrityanjali Academy, directed by Chandra Banerjee. Artists from BAFA and Adda Academy will also take part in the dance program, bringing together performers from different generations to showcase the diversity of Bengali dance and culture. The musical program will feature popular Bangladesh and New York-based singer Shah Mahbub, while renowned West Bengal singer Meghla Das Gupta will also perform.

October 11: Durga Puja, Anjali and special concert

The second day, Sunday, October 11, will begin with Durga Puja at 10 a.m., followed by Anjali at 3 p.m. The cultural program will continue alongside the religious ceremonies, including a special Dhunuchi dance performance by artists from Nrityanjali Academy.

West Bengal singer Diyasini Roy will perform during the second day’s musical program. Another major attraction will be a special concert by Jojo Mukherjee and his band. General Secretary Nirupama Saha said renowned singer Riddhi Bandyopadhyay will also attend the celebration as a guest artist.

Bringing Bengali heritage to a global audience

Ashok Raksit, adviser to the organization and president of the Cultural Association of Bengal, described the Times Square Durga Puja as an important initiative to bring Bengalis from different parts of the world together. He encouraged Bengali communities in the New York area and beyond to participate in the celebration.

Nabendu Dey of the New York Bangladesh Hindu Community recalled the history of Durga Puja celebrations among Bangladeshi Hindus in New York. He said Bangladeshi Hindus began organizing Durga Puja celebrations in New York in the early 1990s, when many participated in pujas organized by Bengali communities from West Bengal.

Over the years, the scale of Durga Puja celebrations in the diaspora has expanded, he said, adding that the Times Square celebration has brought a new dimension to the tradition. According to Dey, the event has increasingly become an opportunity for Bengalis from different countries to come together in a spirit of community, harmony and celebration.

A focus on the next generation

Organizers say the celebration is particularly aimed at connecting younger Bengali-Americans with their cultural heritage. Through Bengali music, dance, religious traditions and language, the organizers hope to introduce younger generations to the cultural traditions associated with Durga Puja and Mahalaya. They also expect the event to strengthen social and cultural ties among Bengali communities across generations.

A major cultural event in Times Square

Organizers said Asha Group is serving as a partner for this year’s celebration. Nirupama Saha called on media organizations and social media platforms to support the promotion of the event and expressed hope for strong participation from the Bengali community following last year’s celebration.

With religious rituals, traditional performances and artists from Bangladesh, India and the United States, organizers expect the two-day program to create a colorful celebration of Bengali heritage in one of New York City’s most recognizable public spaces. They also hope the Times Square event will help expand international awareness of Bengali culture and the traditions of Durga Puja.

Hakikul Islam, New York: A Bangladeshi diaspora organization in the United States has submitted a nine-point set of demands to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, seeking measures to address issues involving the rights, welfare, property and interests of Bangladeshis living abroad. Leaders of the Bangladeshi Diaspora Forum handed over a memorandum containing the demands to the Consul General of Bangladesh in New York on Tuesday afternoon, September 22, 2026.

The Consul General received the memorandum and said the issues raised by the expatriate community would be communicated to the appropriate authorities, according to the forum. The memorandum was submitted while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, he attended the UNGA opening and held a series of high-level meetings and engagements.

We wanted to meet the prime minister directly

Forum convener Fakhrul Alam said the organization had hoped to meet the prime minister personally and present the demands directly. “We wanted to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and present these demands to him directly, but that was not possible,” Alam said. He said the prime minister’s New York visit was relatively brief and that his schedule was largely focused on UN-related engagements.

“We were advised to submit the memorandum to the Consul General. We were told that it would be conveyed to the prime minister,” Alam said. The forum expressed hope that the government would give serious consideration to the issues raised by expatriate Bangladeshis and take steps to address them.

Nine demands of expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the memorandum, the Bangladeshi Diaspora Forum has called for action on the following nine issues:

1. Representation in national affairs: Ensure meaningful participation and representation of expatriate Bangladeshis in the Jatiya Sangsad and in the governance of the country.

2. Direct New York-Dhaka flights: Introduce direct flights between New York and Dhaka, including service on the New York-Dhaka-New York route.

3. Priority services for expatriates: Establish effective mechanisms through which expatriate Bangladeshis can receive priority, respectful and efficient services at government offices, administrative agencies and courts in Bangladesh.

4. Protection of land and property: Protect expatriate Bangladeshis from land-related disputes and alleged land grabbing. The forum specifically called for measures to ensure that land, plots and apartments purchased by expatriates under contractual agreements are properly handed over to their rightful owners.

5. End harassment at Dhaka airport: Take effective measures to prevent harassment of expatriate Bangladeshis at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

6. Reduce complications involving dual citizenship: End what the forum describes as unnecessary harassment and complications faced by Bangladeshis holding dual citizenship.

7. Action against money laundering and illicit transfers: Take action to prevent the alleged diversion of large amounts of money abroad, including funds generated through an economy supported by remittances, and bring those responsible for illegal transfers to justice.

8. Ensure safety during visits to Bangladesh: Guarantee the security of life and property of expatriate Bangladeshis when they travel to their homeland.

9. Protect property and expedite legal cases: Protect expatriates’ residential and other movable and immovable properties in Bangladesh and establish mechanisms for the speedy resolution of related legal cases.

Expatriates make significant contributions to Bangladesh

Fakhrul Alam said millions of Bangladeshis living in the United States and other countries continue to contribute to Bangladesh’s economy and society. He said expatriates contribute not only through remittances but also through investment, business, education, healthcare and humanitarian activities.

“Leaving the country is itself a painful experience,” Alam said, adding that many Bangladeshis living abroad continue to support the country’s economy because of their connection to Bangladesh and their sense of responsibility toward their homeland.

According to the forum, successive governments have spoken about protecting the interests of expatriate Bangladeshis and have made various commitments, but many long-standing concerns remain unresolved.

Focus on citizenship, property and consular services

The forum said expatriate Bangladeshis continue to face difficulties involving citizenship rights, property ownership, voting rights, passports and National Identification Cards (NIDs), consular services and investment in Bangladesh. Forum leaders called for long-term government initiatives to address these issues and urged the government to establish more direct communication channels with Bangladeshis living overseas. They also called for expatriate services to be made more accessible, efficient and technology-driven.

The memorandum was endorsed by advisers and members of the Bangladeshi Diaspora Forum, including Dr. Mohsin Patwari, Dr. Iqbal Chowdhury, Dr. Wadud Bhuiyan, Maf Misbah Uddin, Mohammad Shah Moazzem, Attorney Sheikh Selim, Attorney Moin Chowdhury, Mohammad N. Majumder, Engineer Altaf Chowdhury, Sheikh Shahjahan and Fakhrul Alam, along with other members of the organization. The forum said it expects the government to consider the nine demands and take concrete steps to address the concerns of Bangladeshis living abroad.

Akbar Haider Kiron, New York: The Bangladesh Society, Inc., one of the largest community organizations representing Bangladeshi Americans in the United States, has rejected recent allegations concerning its financial management, spending and alleged misuse of funds, saying its financial position has significantly improved over the past 20 months. At a press conference on September 28, 2026, the organization’s General Secretary Mohammad Ali presented a written statement addressing the allegations and outlining the society’s current financial position.

Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim, Board of Trustees Chairman Shah Newaz, and other leaders and executive committee members were present at the press conference. Following the written statement, Shah Newaz, Ataur Rahman Selim and Mohammad Ali responded to questions from journalists.

Society disputes $725,000 spending allegation

Responding to allegations that the current executive committee had spent or wasted approximately $725,000 over the past 20 months, society leaders rejected the claim as inaccurate. According to figures presented at the press conference, total spending during the period amounted to $521,865, covering regular operating expenses and various programs and activities.

The leaders said the expenditures are supported by relevant documentation, vouchers and bank statements. They also said the organization currently has approximately $919,000 in its bank accounts, arguing that the figure demonstrates a substantial increase in the society’s financial reserves.

According to the organization, the net financial position stood at approximately $116,000 when the current executive committee assumed responsibility.

$200,000 Bangladesh Center deposit returned

The leadership also addressed questions surrounding the proposed purchase of a Bangladesh Center in Jamaica, Queens. According to the society, it had entered into an initial agreement and placed a $200,000 deposit as part of the proposed transaction.

The organization said legal complications involving the property subsequently emerged and the seller failed to meet certain conditions outlined in the agreement. The deal was therefore canceled, the leaders said, adding that the entire $200,000 deposit was returned to the society.

Building violations reduced from $82,000 to $31,000

The society also provided an explanation regarding outstanding building violations and fines inherited from the previous administration. Leaders said the organization had inherited approximately $82,000 in violation-related penalties. A professional firm was subsequently hired to address the matter, resulting in the amount being reduced to approximately $31,000, according to the society. They said legal efforts are continuing to seek a further reduction or waiver of the remaining amount.

$89,000 spent on eight Iftar events

The organization also addressed questions regarding the cost of its Iftar programs. According to the figures presented at the press conference, the society organized eight Iftar events in four locations over the past two years, with total expenses of approximately $89,000.

However, society leaders said approximately $42,770 of that amount came from sponsors and donations from supporters. Based on those figures, they said the society’s own funds accounted for an average of approximately $5,803.75 per Iftar event.

Officials’ checks described as reimbursements

Questions were also raised about checks issued in the names of society officials. The organization’s leaders said such payments were reimbursements for expenses initially paid out of the officials’ own pockets for urgent organizational purchases or other necessary expenses. They said reimbursement checks were issued only against valid vouchers and supporting documentation.

Membership rises from 18,000 to more than 35,000

The society also highlighted an increase in its registered membership. According to its leadership, the organization had approximately 18,000 registered members when the current executive committee assumed office. The number has since increased to more than 35,000, they said.

Leaders urge verification of information

At the conclusion of the press conference, Bangladesh Society leaders urged journalists and community members to verify information before circulating allegations or claims concerning the organization. They said unverified information could create confusion and division within the Bangladeshi-American community.

The leadership also expressed its intention to strengthen the Bangladesh Society as a unified community platform and to build a more transparent, effective and sustainable organization for future generations.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A new community organization, the Khulna Divisional Society of New Jersey, has been formally launched in Atlantic City to strengthen fraternity, cooperation and mutual support among members of the Khulna Division community living in South Jersey.

Although several district-based organizations are active in South Jersey and Atlantic City, the Khulna Division community had not previously had a dedicated organization of its own. The new initiative was established following a long period of planning and collaborative efforts by senior community members, including Rezaul Islam Khalid, Golam Mostafa, Sheikh Amin, Shahanur Nanna, Altaf Hossain, Md. Hasan, Imtiaz Litu, Tafir and other senior members of the southern Bangladesh community.

The organization began its activities at an event held at Gourmet Restaurant on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City at 7 p.m. on September 23. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Amin, a native of Khulna, while veteran Jessore politician Rezaul Islam Khalid moderated the discussion.

During the meeting, participants emphasized the need for an organization that would promote mutual respect, brotherhood, cooperation and stronger community ties among people from the Khulna Division living in New Jersey. Following the discussion, an ad hoc committee was formed with Sheikh Nasir Khokon as convener and Md. Moniruzzaman as member secretary. Helal Hasan was named joint convener, while Imran Hossain was appointed joint member secretary.

Speakers at the meeting included Md. George, Tanmoy, Oni, Shipul, Imtiaz Litu, Helal Hasan, Imran Hossain, Golam Mostafa, Sheikh Amin, Shahanur Nanna, Altaf Hossain, Moniruzzaman, Sheikh Nasir and Tanmoy, among others. Speakers expressed their support for the new organization and highlighted the importance of maintaining unity, friendship and cooperation among members of the Khulna Division community. The program concluded with remarks from the chair, followed by a dinner for the guests and participants.

NEW YORK — Fatikchhari MP Sarwar Alamgir was accorded a reception at Radhuni Restaurant in the Church-McDonald area of New York on Thursday night, September 25. The event was organized at the initiative of Mohammad Hanif, chief adviser and former president of the Chattogram Association of New York. The reception was chaired by Mohammad Hanif and moderated by Md. Ariful Islam, general secretary of the Chattogram Association of New York. Among those attending were New York City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, former Chattogram Association president Kazi Shakhawat Hossain Azam, current president Abu Taher, and poet and writer Shamsuddin Mahmud of Washington, D.C., along with prominent members of the Bangladeshi-American community.

In his speech as the chief guest, Sarwar Alamgir recalled his longstanding family relationship with Mohammad Hanif and his family. “Hanif bhai has not merely acted like an elder brother; he has always stood by me as my elder brother. I am therefore very happy to be able to visit New York and attend this gathering as his guest first,” Alamgir said. Alamgir also highlighted various initiatives undertaken for the development of Fatikchhari and expressed his determination to take necessary measures to eliminate terrorism and improve law and order in the constituency.

He also thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for nominating him from Fatikchhari.  New York City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif said that although she was born and raised in New York City, her roots are in Fatikchhari.

“I am a New York City Councilwoman. I was born and raised here, but my roots are in Fatikchhari,” she said. Shahana Hanif expressed her happiness that the people of Fatikchhari have a leader like Sarwar Alamgir. She also expressed hope that Alamgir would provide necessary advice and cooperation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman not only for the development of Fatikchhari but also for the broader development of Bangladesh.

During the event, poet and writer Shamsuddin Mahmud presented two of his books to Sarwar Alamgir as gifts. The program concluded with guests being served traditional Chattogram-style mezbani cuisine. Recent reporting also identifies Sarwar Alamgir as the MP for Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) and confirms that he is currently serving as a lawmaker.

NEW YORK: A protest rally was held outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday, with the Bangladesh Sramik League USA chapter calling for the withdrawal of the ban imposed on the Bangladesh Awami League and the Sramik League. The protest was organized at 2 p.m. during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session. Organizers said the demonstration was aimed at drawing international attention to their demands, including the withdrawal of restrictions on the Sramik League in accordance with the principles of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.

Nazmul Alam Romen, an executive member of the central committee of the Bangladesh Sramik League, addressed the rally as the chief guest. The event was chaired by Kazi Azizul Haque Khokon, president of the Sramik League USA, and moderated by Jewel Ahmed, general secretary of the organization. Speakers alleged that following August 5, 2024, the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated and associated organizations were banned through an executive order. They further claimed that the activities of the Bangladesh Sramik League, which they described as affiliated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), were also prohibited in violation of labour laws.

The speakers said the right to form and join trade unions is recognized by the ILO as a fundamental labour right. They said protecting trade union rights is important for ensuring democratic conditions in the workplace and allowing workers to pursue their legitimate demands.

Referring to ILO conventions, the speakers said Convention No. 87 protects freedom of association and the right to organize, while Convention No. 98 provides protection against anti-union discrimination. They alleged that the ban on the Sramik League’s activities through an executive order violates these principles.

The speakers also alleged that the headquarters of the Bangladesh Awami League and the Sramik League at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka had been burned and destroyed, while offices of various trade unions affiliated with the Sramik League had been closed.

They further claimed that thousands of Sramik League activists had lost their jobs and that workers had been killed or injured in attacks, while others were being harassed through what they described as false cases.

The rally called for the withdrawal of the restrictions on the Bangladesh Awami League and the immediate lifting of the ban on the Sramik League’s activities, which the speakers said should be done in accordance with ILO conventions. The speakers also called on the ILO, ITUC, international human rights organizations and the broader international community to take notice of their concerns.

Among those attending the rally were Sramik League USA leaders M.A. Alam Biplob, Laskar Moyzur Rahman Jewel, Abdur Razzak Anwar, Md. Motaleb Hossain and Saidul Islam, among others.

NEW YORK CORRESPONDENT: The US Awami League, Awami family members, and affiliated and associate organizations held a protest rally outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday, September 24, protesting the ban on all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League, death sentences against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior party leaders, and what they described as moves to hand over Saint Martin’s Island, ports and transit corridors to foreign interests.

The rally was held at noon outside the UN headquarters, with Awami League leaders and activists arriving from different states across the United States. Participants included leaders and activists from the US Awami League, US Jubo League, US Mohila League, US Chhatra League, US Sramik League, US Swechhasebak League, Michigan Awami League, Virginia State Awami League, Metro Washington Awami League, Maryland State Awami League, New York State Awami League, New York City Awami League, US Awami League South, US Awami League East, US Awami League West, and the organization Amra Mujib Sainik, among others.

The protesters chanted a range of slogans, including “Go Back Tarique,” “Terrorist Tarique,” “Khamba Tarique,” “No gas, no electricity—this government is not needed,” “No food, no clothing—this government is not needed,” “There are poles, but no electricity—this government is not needed,” “Police killer Tarique—go back, go back,” and “Grenade Tarique—go back, go back.”

Addressing the rally, speakers said the Awami League played a leading role in the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign country. They alleged that banning the party’s political activities undermines the values, ideals and spirit of the country’s Liberation War. The speakers called for the immediate withdrawal of the ban, arguing that it would create political space for what they described as anti-liberation and extremist forces.

They also criticized the government over the country’s economic and social situation, citing rising prices, shortages of gas and electricity, problems in the education sector and what they described as a growing “mob culture.” They also alleged that Awami League leaders and activists were being killed and harassed.

The speakers made a number of allegations against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. They questioned government decisions concerning aircraft purchases, arguing that greater attention should first be given to essential services and economic challenges inside Bangladesh.

Describing the situation in Bangladesh as a “major crisis,” the speakers alleged that domestic and foreign actors were conspiring over the country’s political and economic future. They claimed that factories and garment industries were facing difficulties and that the country’s production system was being adversely affected.

The speakers also raised concerns about child safety, public health and law and order, alleging that the government was not giving sufficient attention to these issues and was using political retaliation against its opponents.

Speakers further said that banning the Awami League would not end the party’s political existence. Referring to the party’s history, they said the Awami League had returned to politics after facing previous periods of political adversity and expressed confidence that it would again return as a stronger political force.

They also claimed that the ban had left people in Bangladesh and members of the diaspora shocked and angry. Some speakers described the current government as a “black government,” a characterization made by the speakers at the rally.

Among those attending the protest were US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad, adviser Masudul Hasan, former BAKSU General Secretary and freedom fighter Dr. Pradip Ranjan Kar, Organizing Secretary Abul Hasib Mamun, former General Secretary Shamim Chowdhury, founding General Secretary of the US Awami League and mainstream political figure M.A. Salam, journalist Hakikul Islam Khokon, Ramesh Nath, Organizing Secretary Mohiuddin Dewan, freedom fighter Shawkat Akbar Ritchie, Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Shah Md. Bokhtiar Ali, Education Affairs Secretary M.A. Karim Jahangir, and Dr. Masudul Hasan, president of the US chapter of Sheikh Kamal Parishad.

Also present were Awami League leader and Sheikh Hasina Mancha President freedom fighter Jalal Uddin Jalil, Organizing Secretary Sheikh Selim, Executive Member Shahanara Rahman, Awami League leader and former Union Parishad Chairman Iqbal Hossain, Awami League leaders Akhtar Hossain and Ali Hossain Ghaznavi, among others.

New York State Awami League President and freedom fighter Mujibur Rahman Mia, Vice Presidents Sheikh Atikul Islam and Abul Kashem Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Awami League Foundation Chairman Abdul Kader Mia, New York City Awami League President Rafiqul Rahman Rafiq and General Secretary Emdad Chowdhury also attended.

Others included Connecticut State Awami League General Secretary Humayun Ahmed Chowdhury, Mohila Awami League Joint General Secretary Rumana Akter, Awami League leader A.K. Chowdhury, Jubo League leaders Mizanur Rahman and Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, US Chhatra League Vice President Shahidul Islam, and US Jubo League leader Khandaker Zahedul Islam.

Virginia State Awami League President G.I. Russell and member Jeba Russell, Metro Washington Awami League President M. Nabi Baki, Vice President Nurul Amin, General Secretary Mohammad Azam and Women’s Affairs Secretary Mohsina Jannat Rimi, as well as Maryland State Awami League President Moinul Majumdar Tapas, Mosharraf Hossain Dulal and Sramik League President Azizul Khokon were also among those present.

The rally concluded with demands for the restoration of the Awami League’s political rights and the return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, along with calls for a fresh election.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will present Bangladesh’s vision for the future, national interests and aspirations of its people at the global forum of the United Nations General Assembly, with a focus on ensuring inclusive development, said PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin.

“Carrying the patriotism, emotions, sentiments and aspirations of the people, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will present before the global community what Bangladesh’s vision for the future should be, how the country’s interests can be safeguarded and how inclusive development can be ensured,” he said.

Mahdi Amin made the remarks at a press conference in the lobby of the Hyatt Grand Central New York hotel at 9:00pm local time today after the premier arrived in New York to attend the UN General Assembly. He said the prime minister has arrived in New York on a historic visit as the head of a representative government elected by the people’s vote after a long time.

Referring to the historical context, he said, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia had presented Bangladesh’s position, vision and plans before the global community. As part of that historical continuity, their son, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will likewise uphold the spirit of patriotism and present Bangladesh’s interests and rights on the global stage.”

Mahdi Amin said the prime minister will deliver his address at the UN General Assembly on Thursday. Describing the prime minister’s visit as a very brief one, the spokesperson said he was moving away from the usual practice of lengthy foreign visits and would stay in New York for only a short period.

“Excluding the two days spent on travel, he will stay in New York for only four working days and will attend a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings,” he said. Regarding the size of the delegation, Mahdi Amin said the prime minister had completely broken away from the traditional practice and arrived with a small delegation for the brief visit.

“Officially, there are only 35 people here. Besides them, there are only essential media, security and personal staff. Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman is also accompanying him,” he said. Informing that the prime minister’s official engagements will begin Tuesday, he said he would attend the opening session at the UN Headquarters at 9:00am, where heads of state and government of different countries will be present.

Earlier in the morning, he will attend a “Welcome Breakfast Reception” hosted at the invitation of the UN Secretary-General. PM’s Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and Bangladesh’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations A K M Wahiduzzaman were also present at the press conference.