LONDON: The Chattogram Festival 2026 will be held in London on Sunday, November 1, 2026, bringing together members of the Chattogram community for a daylong celebration of the region’s rich history, heritage and culture. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Mayfair Venue on Romford Road in East London.

A press briefing on the upcoming festival was held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at a restaurant hall in East London. Muhammad Ali Reza read out a written statement on behalf of the festival organizing committee.

Among those present and speaking at the press briefing were Barrister Monowar Hossain, Councillor Syed Firoz Gani, Gias Uddin, Anupam Saha, Monir Mahmud, Sujon Barua, Masudur Rahman, Shawkat Osman, Nabil Rahman, Saiful Islam, Muhammad Kaiser and Alim Ullah Rahat, among others.

In their written statement, the organizers said the Chattogram Festival is more than an annual cultural event. It is a collective effort to preserve and celebrate Chattogram’s history, heritage, culture, achievements, business and trade traditions, as well as the identity and cultural consciousness of Chattogram people living abroad.

The organizers said the festival also aims to showcase Chattogram’s rich cultural heritage to younger generations while strengthening communication, cooperation and community ties among Chattogram residents in the United Kingdom.

They called on all Chattogram-based organizations in the UK, community leaders, media professionals and members of the younger generation to extend their cooperation and actively participate in the festival. The organizers expressed hope that through collective efforts, mutual cooperation and unity, Chattogram Festival 2026 will become a safe, inclusive and memorable event.

The daylong celebration will feature a variety of cultural and traditional activities, including Chattogram’s renowned Mezbaan, a traditional communal feast known for its distinctive beef dishes and cultural significance.

The organizers have invited Chattogram residents and Bangladeshi communities across the UK to attend the festival with their families and enjoy a celebration highlighting the heritage, culture and traditions of Chattogram.

Subrata Chowdhury, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The Bangladesh Association of South Jersey (BASJ) will host a traditional Mezbaan on Tuesday, September 29, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Bangladesh Community Center, 2709 Fairmount Avenue, Atlantic City.

A preparatory meeting for the Mezbaan was held on September 22 at the Bangladesh Community Center. BASJ President Zahirul Islam Babul, Abdus Rafiq and other leaders of the organization discussed preparations for the event in detail. BASJ President Zahirul Islam Babul, General Secretary Zakirul Islam Khoka and Trustee Board President Abdus Rafiq have invited members of the Bangladeshi community to attend the Mezbaan.

The organizers said Bangladeshi expatriates from Atlantic City and surrounding communities are expected to participate in the traditional gathering. The Mezbaan is part of the Bangladeshi-American community’s effort to preserve and celebrate the traditional food and cultural heritage of Bangladesh in the United States.

VIRGINIA: The Bangladesh-American IT People’s Organization (BAITPO) hosted an appreciation party in Woodbridge, Virginia, to recognize the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and committee members behind its successful effort to showcase the traditional Chattogram Mezbaan tradition among Bangladeshi Americans in the United States. The event was attended by BAITPO leaders and members, members of the Mezbaan committee, sponsors and well-wishers. Engineer Abubakar Hanif, Chancellor of Washington University, attended the program as the chief guest.

In his remarks, Hanif thanked the BAITPO team for successfully organizing the Mezbaan event and assured the organization of his continued support for arranging larger and more successful programs in the future. Dr. Faizul Islam said one of the largest Mezbaan gatherings in recent memory was held in the DMV area on August 23. Legendary Bangladeshi singer Nakib Khan performed at the event.

He highlighted various aspects and achievements of the Mezbaan program, noting that organizing a large-scale event often involves numerous challenges and limitations. He said recognizing the efforts and contributions of those who overcome such challenges can encourage organizers to deliver even better events in the future. BAITPO President Shamsuddin Mahmud expressed sincere gratitude to all donors, sponsors, well-wishers, Mezbaan committee members, BAITPO leaders and members, and guests who contributed to the success of the event.

Mahmud acknowledged that the large turnout, which exceeded expectations, along with the attendance of a significant number of guests who had not registered in advance, created some challenges in food management. He expressed regret that some guests were unable to receive food after the scheduled serving period had ended.

He also outlined several plans to make the next Mezbaan more organized and efficient. According to Mahmud, registration will be mandatory for future events. Those who registered for this year’s Mezbaan will also receive an opportunity for free registration for next year’s event.

To speed up and streamline food distribution, BAITPO plans to introduce four separate serving lines and increase its food transportation capacity threefold. Subject to venue availability, Mahmud also announced plans to organize Mezbaan 2027 next August. During the appreciation event, the BAITPO president also presented the income and expenditure details of the Mezbaan program before the attendees.

Calling on everyone to participate in the next Mezbaan, Mahmud said preparations would be made in advance to ensure that no guest has to leave without receiving food. BAITPO Vice President Saifullah Khaled, Event Coordinator Sam Ria and other members of the organization also spoke at the event.

The appreciation party also featured traditional Chattogram-style Mezbaani cuisine, along with discussions and memories from the successful event. Hasan and Sam Ria were responsible for preparing beef and other dishes in the traditional Mezbaan style, while Mohammad Qureshi oversaw the barbecue preparation. The gathering concluded with food, conversation and reminiscences among BAITPO members, sponsors, supporters and others involved in organizing the Mezbaan event.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A friendly community gathering hosted by prominent businessman Shahru Chowdhury was held Tuesday evening in Atlantic City, bringing together Bangladeshi Americans and members of the local community for an evening of conversation, cultural exchange and entertainment. The gathering was held on September 22 at 3407 Ventnor Avenue in Atlantic City.

The evening featured informal conversations, discussions, musical performances and a barbecue. Singers Asif Anwar and Zaman Ruku performed for the guests, adding a musical touch to the community gathering. Chowdhury warmly welcomed the guests and thanked them for joining the event.

The gathering was attended by a city council member, Bangladeshi community members living in Atlantic City and surrounding communities, as well as other prominent members of the local community. The event provided an opportunity for members of the Bangladeshi diaspora and local residents to connect, exchange views and spend time together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

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.

NEW YORK — Tensions between supporters of Bangladesh’s ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the opposition Awami League escalated in New York’s Jackson Heights on Sunday evening, September 20, as rival groups gathered for competing programmes ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to the city for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The situation at Diversity Plaza became increasingly tense as supporters of the BNP gathered to welcome Tarique Rahman, while a large group of Awami League activists assembled nearby chanting, “Wherever Tarique goes, resistance will follow.”

The two sides initially exchanged competing slogans before the confrontation reportedly escalated into pushing, shoving and verbal altercations. The BNP alleged that several banners welcoming Tarique Rahman were torn down by Awami League activists, further intensifying tensions.

According to witnesses, several hundred activists from both sides were involved in the confrontation. Multiple teams of the New York Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of the escalating situation. More than 50 riot-control officers subsequently moved between the two groups and attempted to keep them separated.

Police eventually intervened more forcefully as the two sides continued their confrontation. The area remained crowded with competing chants, while traffic was temporarily disrupted. Pedestrians moved away from the scene as police worked to prevent the situation from escalating further.

The confrontation comes as Bangladeshi political groups in New York prepare for a series of activities surrounding Tarique Rahman’s visit. BNP supporters have been organizing welcome programmes in Jackson Heights and elsewhere in the city. Recent reporting also confirms that BNP activists gathered in Jackson Heights ahead of the prime minister’s arrival.

Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on September 21 to attend the 81st UN General Assembly. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), he is scheduled to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport at about 5:55 p.m. New York time after a stopover in Istanbul. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24 and depart New York for Dhaka on September 25.

The United Nations’ high-level week for the 81st General Assembly is scheduled for September 22–29, with the general debate taking place from September 22 to 26 and again on September 28.

Meanwhile, Awami League leader Imdad Chowdhury said the party is preparing to mobilize about 1,000 activists at JFK Airport as part of its “Wherever Tarique, Resistance There” programme. He said permission had been obtained from the relevant airport authorities for the gathering.

BNP leader Golam Faruk Shaheen, meanwhile, said hundreds of BNP supporters would gather at JFK Airport to welcome Tarique Rahman. He also said the BNP had obtained the necessary authorization for its programme.

The competing plans are expected to require additional security measures at the airport. Police may establish separate areas and security barriers to keep the two groups at a safe distance from each other.

Security arrangements are also being heightened in New York during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, when heads of state, government leaders and senior officials from around the world gather at the United Nations headquarters. The UN’s official schedule places the 81st General Assembly’s high-level week from September 22 through September 29.

The latest confrontation in Jackson Heights has raised concerns within the Bangladeshi-American community about the possibility of further tensions during Tarique Rahman’s visit, particularly around the airport and other locations where competing political groups are expected to gather.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir was accorded a reception by BNP leaders and activists from the Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland areas. The reception was held on September 16 at the Comfort Inn in Springfield, Virginia. The event also included a preparatory meeting ahead of Nasir Uddin Nasir’s New York visit, with BNP leaders and activists from different levels in Washington, Virginia and Maryland taking part.

AJM Hossain, former general secretary of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP and a BNP leader, presided over the program. Former joint secretaries of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP Zakir Hossain Zakir and Mohammad Hossain moderated the event. Among those attending were Virginia BNP President Mohammad Zahir, General Secretary Tofail Ahmed, former vice president of Greater Washington, D.C. BNP and former general secretary of New Jersey BNP Shamsuddin Mahmud, former vice president Obaidul Haque Ovi, and former vice presidents Masudur Rahman, Harunur Rashid, Harun Bhuiyan, Elias Bhuiyan Liton and Munir Hossain.

A large number of BNP leaders and activists from the Greater Washington area also attended the reception, including Nur Mohammad Liton, Shahriar Rahman, Kamal Pasha, Faruk Hossain, Firoz Alam, Tayyubur Rahman, Md. Moktar Khan, Sohrab Hossain, Imam Hossain, Ibrahim Bhuiyan, Imran Bhuiyan, Laskar Sohel Rana, Al Amin Hawladar, Md. Abdul Kader Bacchu, Nurul Amin, Sanaul Haque Bhuiyan, Md. Nasim Ferdous, Riyad Hossain, Sumaiya Islam, Masud Rana, Ibrahim Khalil, Mahabubur Rahman, Belal Hossain, Md. Hossain (Biplob), Ahmed Islam Ripon, Sohel Hossain (Ripon), Zaker Hossain Mintu, Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Alam (Milon), Taslima Rahman, Jahanara Bhuiyan, Sabina Hossain Polly, Laila Jannat and Maksuda Bhuiyan Happy.

Also present were former chief election commissioner of Virginia BNP Abdul Qayyum, former president of Maryland BNP Nesar Ahmed, Virginia BNP leader Kamrun Nahar Kona, Maryland BNP leader Kabirul Islam, Maryland BNP Vice President Mizanur Rahman and Washington BNP Vice President Mosharraf Hossain, among others.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Nasir Uddin Nasir called on BNP leaders and activists to remain united and work to strengthen the party. He also urged expatriate Bangladeshis to focus on providing quality education and opportunities for the next generation.

Nasir said that late President Ziaur Rahman had worked throughout his life for the development of the people of Bangladesh. He also spoke about the contributions of the Zia family to the country and called on BNP supporters to work together to strengthen the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In his presidential remarks, AJM Hossain said BNP leaders and activists from Washington, D.C., would remain actively engaged during Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. He urged party members to remain vigilant in the evolving political environment and said BNP activists in the Washington area would continue working together in the days ahead. The event concluded with participants welcoming Nasir Uddin Nasir to the United States and emphasizing greater coordination and participation among expatriate BNP leaders and activists.

New York — The US Awami League is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York at 8 p.m. on September 24, with Bangladesh Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expected to participate as the chief guest, according to the organization. The announcement was made by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman during a torchlight procession and protest rally organized by the party at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, New York, on Saturday, September 19.

According to Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina will deliver what the organization described as a guideline-setting address on the future of Bangladesh. He also said she would make an important decision concerning her planned return to Bangladesh in December. Sheikh Hasina said in a Reuters interview published in July that she planned to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing legal proceedings and a death sentence. She has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.

Torchlight rally in Jackson Heights

The September 19 rally brought together leaders and activists from the US Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Jubo League, Sramik League, Swechchhasebak League, Mohila Awami League and Chhatra League. Participants chanted slogans including “Go back, go back, Tarique, Tarique” and “Step down, step down, Tarique, Tarique” during the procession and rally.

The program was chaired by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad. According to the organizers, the protest was held in response to court verdicts involving Sheikh Hasina and leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, the situation surrounding the lockdown in Dhaka, and the planned visit of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the United States.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman said the US Awami League would organize protest and resistance programs wherever Tarique Rahman is present between September 21 and 25. He also called on Awami League supporters living in the United States to participate in programs organized by the US Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina’s planned December return

Sheikh Hasina has publicly said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. In an interview with Reuters published in July, she said she planned to return from India despite the legal consequences she could face. In August, she again said she intended to return to Bangladesh and that the exact date would be announced when the time was appropriate, while indicating that she wanted the return to take place in December.

The issue has gained renewed attention following recent court proceedings involving former Awami League officials. On September 15, a Bangladesh tribunal sentenced seven former aides of Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia in cases connected to the 2024 crackdown, according to Al Jazeera. The report said the defendants were convicted of crimes including murder and inciting killings.

Political activity intensifies in New York

Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has prompted increased political activity among Bangladeshis in the United States.

The US Awami League leadership said it has planned a series of demonstrations, protests and other programs in New York and elsewhere in the United States throughout the period of Tarique Rahman’s stay for the UN General Assembly. According to party leaders, Awami League supporters from different US states and other countries have begun arriving in the United States to participate in the planned programs.

The BNP’s US organization has also been holding programs ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit, including a “Meet the Press” event in New York, where the party called on expatriate Bangladeshis to support its activities surrounding the prime minister’s UNGA visit.

With competing political groups preparing separate programs around the UN General Assembly, the period is expected to bring increased political activity within the Bangladeshi-American community in New York.

The US Awami League says Sheikh Hasina’s September 24 address will focus on Bangladesh’s future and will include an announcement concerning her planned return to the country. The details of that announcement remain to be seen.

New York — Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 24. It will be his first address to the UN General Assembly as prime minister. Bangladesh’s government has said his visit will include high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements alongside participation in the UNGA.

Ahead of the visit, the US unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States to participate in programs surrounding the prime minister’s visit and support the government’s reconstruction and development initiatives. The appeal was made through a written statement issued at a “Meet the Press” program organized ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York.

The event was attended by BNP Central International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon, BNP Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Samrat, Zillur Rahman Zillu, Gias Ahmed, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, Sharafat Hossain Babu, Kamal Pasha Babul, Anwar Hossain, Niaz Ahmed Jewel, Anwarul Islam, Akhter Hossain Badal, Kazi Azam, Firoz Alam, Sabur Khan, Mosharraf Hossain Sobuj, Gias Uddin, Shah Alam, Saidul Haque, Zahirul Islam Molla, Jasim Bhuiyan, Syeda Mahmuda Shirin, Golam Faruk Shahin, Shafiqul Rahman Dulal, Syed A.R. Faruk, Baset Rahman, Dr. Abdus Sabur, Shahjahan Sheikh, Nur Mohammad, Rafiqul Islam, Faruk Hossain Majumdar, Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Syed Morshedul Hasan Reza, Mohammad Mohsin, Mazharul Islam Miru, Golam Haider Mukut, Mohammad Masud Rana and Zakir Howlader, among others.

Bangladesh holds UNGA presidency

The written statement described Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly as significant for the country. It also highlighted the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman was elected on June 2, 2026, defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret-ballot election. The 81st session opened on September 8, and Rahman is serving a one-year term as president of the General Assembly.

The United Nations has identified the theme of the 81st session as “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The US BNP statement noted that Bangladesh’s presidency of the General Assembly comes four decades after former Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury served as president of the 41st session in 1986-87.

Appeal to expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the statement, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly will provide an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s democratic transition, development priorities and future plans before the international community. The US BNP also emphasized the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s reconstruction and development, particularly through investment, expertise, experience and international connections.

The statement called on expatriate Bangladeshis to contribute to the country’s development and remain cautious about what the party described as misinformation and propaganda concerning Bangladesh. The party also expressed condolences to the families of those killed during last year’s political unrest and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The figures and descriptions regarding the unrest contained in the BNP statement represent the party’s claims.

Government initiatives highlighted

The statement also highlighted several initiatives attributed to the government, including Krishak Card, Family Card and Sports Card programs. It said a Probashi Card would also be introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates. The US BNP said expatriate Bangladeshis are an important part of the country’s development and stressed the importance of utilizing their investment, skills and international networks.

BNP leaders and affiliated organizations in North America are also preparing various programs around Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. According to the party, a rally and other programs are being planned near the United Nations headquarters on September 24. Meanwhile, New York is preparing for the arrival of world leaders and senior government representatives for the 81st UN General Assembly. The UNGA high-level week will bring delegations from countries around the world to New York.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 and deliver his first UN General Assembly address on September 24. According to current reports, he is expected to leave New York on September 25 after completing his UNGA engagements.

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.