Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to the United States to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has been shortened. At the same time, a large civic reception planned in his honor in New York will no longer take place, according to multiple sources.

Under the initial itinerary, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was scheduled to arrive in New York on September 21, remain in the city for several days and then travel to San Francisco, California, on September 26. During his stay in New York, he was scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24. BNP leaders and activists in the United States were also preparing for a civic reception planned for September 25.

Several reports published earlier this month said preparations were underway for the reception at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Manhattan. However, Tarique Rahman’s US itinerary was subsequently revised. According to the latest reports, he is scheduled to arrive in New York on the evening of September 21 and return to Bangladesh on September 25. As a result, the large reception previously planned for September 25 will not be held in his presence.

Four-Day New York Visit

Citing Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, reports said Tarique Rahman will take part in various programs in New York from September 22 to 25. He is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s statement at the UN General Assembly on September 24 before returning home on September 25.

Earlier plans had reportedly included a longer stay in the United States, with Tarique Rahman expected to remain in the country until September 29 or 30 and visit San Francisco. The San Francisco leg has since been dropped as the overall trip was shortened.

Reports citing relevant sources said reducing state expenditure and managing the schedule were among the considerations behind the decision to shorten the visit.

Why Was the Reception Cancelled?

Several explanations have appeared in media reports regarding the cancellation of the reception. One of the key points reported is that Tarique Rahman was not interested in attending a large civic reception financed with government funds.

A report by a Bangladeshi national daily, citing Gias Ahmed, former senior vice-president of BNP USA, said discussions had taken place regarding a reception organized by the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. According to Ahmed, Tarique Rahman did not want such an event to be financed with public funds. Party leaders subsequently proposed arranging the event through their own funding.

Meanwhile, other reports said preparations had been underway for a party-organized event at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan on September 25. Since Tarique Rahman is now scheduled to return to Bangladesh that day, the reception cannot be held in his presence.

Claim of Tk 500 Million in Savings

Some reports have claimed that cancelling the reception will save approximately Tk 50 million ($5 crore). However, the figure has not been consistently confirmed across media reports.

While some reports have cited savings of around Tk 50 million, another report put the estimated cost of the proposed government reception at approximately $250,000. There have also been claims that a party-funded event could have involved additional expenses.

Therefore, the claim that the cancellation will result in an exact saving of Tk 50 million should not be presented as confirmed government information. What can be stated more cautiously is that reducing state expenditure has been cited in several reports as one of the considerations behind shortening the prime minister’s US visit. Reports have also indicated that he does not want a large reception funded by public money.

Possibility of a Party Welcome

While a large civic reception financed or organized through government arrangements is reportedly no longer going ahead, some BNP leaders in the United States have expressed interest in welcoming the prime minister through party or privately funded initiatives.

Citing Gias Ahmed, reports said the previously planned reception cannot take place in Tarique Rahman’s presence because he is scheduled to leave for Bangladesh on September 25. Ahmed also indicated that there could be an opportunity for Tarique Rahman to meet local BNP leaders that day.

The clearest information at this stage is that the large-scale formal civic reception planned in New York is not going ahead in the presence of Tarique Rahman. This does not necessarily mean that all party or diaspora activities surrounding his visit have been cancelled.

Main Focus of the US Visit

The primary purpose of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s US visit is to represent Bangladesh at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the latest reports, he will arrive in New York on September 21 and participate in a number of high-level programs. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24.

In addition to the UN General Assembly, meetings with heads of government and other international representatives have also been reported as possible components of his itinerary. However, the full list and schedule of such meetings have not yet been finalized, according to reports citing the prime minister’s press secretary.

Overall, Tarique Rahman’s upcoming US visit is significantly shorter than initially planned. His main activities in New York will center on the UN General Assembly, while the cancellation of the planned large civic reception has generated discussion among Bangladeshis living in the United States.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York Correspondent: The US Awami League and its affiliated organisations staged a protest rally and procession in New York on Tuesday evening against the death sentences handed down by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 against seven Awami League and affiliated-organisation leaders, including Awami League General Secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader.

The protest was held at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights on Tuesday (September 15). Following the rally, protesters marched through nearby streets carrying banners and placards. Leaders and activists of the US Awami League, US Chhatra League, Volunteer League, Labour League, Mohila Awami League, New York State Awami League and New York Metropolitan Awami League took part in the programme.

Several national-level Awami League leaders and former lawmakers were also present, according to organisers. They included former Water Resources Minister and former Awami League Organising Secretary Enamul Haque Shamim, Awami League Publicity and Social Welfare Secretary Aminul Islam Amin, former State Minister and former lawmaker Mohammad Zahid Ahsan Russel, and former lawmaker and former Bangladesh Chhatra League General Secretary Nazrul Islam Babu.

US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad, along with leaders from different levels of the organisation, also attended the programme.

The protesters carried banners and placards rejecting the tribunal’s verdict. The organisers described the cases against the party leaders as politically motivated and characterised the verdict as an act of political retaliation and a predetermined judicial process. These are the political claims of the US Awami League and the protesters.

At the rally, speakers expressed their opposition to the tribunal’s verdict and called for its cancellation. They also called for due legal process and justice, arguing that political disputes should not determine judicial outcomes.

Seven Sentenced to Death by Tribunal

Earlier on Tuesday, International Crimes Tribunal-2 sentenced seven people to death in a crimes-against-humanity case related to the July-August 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh.

Those sentenced to death are Awami League General Secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader; Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim; former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat; Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash; Jubo League General Secretary Md Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil; Bangladesh Chhatra League President Md Saddam Hossain; and its General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, delivered the verdict on Tuesday. The seven accused were tried in absentia and remain at large, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

The prosecution had accused the seven of involvement in crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising, including murder, attempted murder, torture, incitement, conspiracy and other acts. The tribunal ruled that the charges against the accused had been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam also said after the verdict that most of the charges had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of 50 percent of the movable and immovable properties of Obaidul Quader, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil. It directed that proceeds from the sale of the confiscated properties be used to compensate people killed or injured during the July-August 2024 uprising or their families.

The defence had previously argued before the tribunal that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The New York protest came hours after the tribunal announced its verdict in Dhaka, bringing the latest political and judicial developments in Bangladesh into the streets of Jackson Heights, home to a large Bangladeshi-American community.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) held its 40th annual convention in Orlando over the Labor Day weekend, bringing together Bangladeshi-American community organizations, cultural performers, artists and guests from across North America. The three-day convention opened Friday with a gala dinner and opening ceremony. Media personality Shahidul Islam Shachu hosted the opening program, while Dr. Sultan S. Ahmed attended as chief guest.

The second day featured seminars, cultural programs and performances by member organizations and prominent Bangladeshi artists. The FOBANA theme song was performed by Dinat Jahan Munni and her group. The song’s lyrics and music were written and composed by Kabir Bokul. Artists who performed during Saturday’s main-stage program included Shamir Mahmud, Rafiq Ahmed Miton, Arzeen Kamal, Imran Mahmudul and Dilshaad Nahar Kona.

A key part of the convention was the Annual General Meeting, where delegates elected a new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term. Atiqur Rahman was elected chairman, while Niehal Rahim was elected executive secretary. Ziaul Haque Zia and Aminul Zinali Collins were elected executive vice presidents. Md. Shahab Uddin and Imran Jony Alam were elected joint secretaries, and Shahedul Islam Anjan was elected treasurer.

The AGM also approved the Bangladesh League of America, New York, as the host committee for the 2027 FOBANA convention. Several other recommendations from member organizations were also approved during the meeting. Organizers said 47 organizations registered for this year’s convention, with more than a dozen organizations from Florida participating in the Orlando gathering.

Sunday’s program began with additional seminars and activities involving member organizations. The main stage featured a tribute to the late Shotto Saha, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s music and cultural community.

As part of the tribute, his son Imon Saha, a seven-time National Film Award winner of Bangladesh, performed in his father’s honor. FOBANA also presented a posthumous recognition to Shotto Saha, which was accepted by his wife, National Film Award-winning actress and performer Romola Saha, on behalf of the family.

The recognition was presented by performers Ankhi Alamgir and Dinat Jahan Munni alongside FOBANA leaders. The final evening featured performances by Ankhi Alamgir, Dinat Jahan Munni, Shazu Khadem, Zayed Khan, Shirin Shila, Itisha Chowdhury and singer Sanjay, known for performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup. State and local officials also addressed attendees during the convention.

The 40th FOBANA Convention was hosted by Central Florida Bangladesh Shomiti. The Bangladesh Association of Florida, Central Florida Sports Club, World Fair and Feast USA Inc. and Bangladesh Society of Central Florida served as co-host organizations. The organizing team included Convenor Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Executive President Shams Ahmed and Event Coordinator AKM Hossain Hitu.

The event was planned and designed by Shahid Islam Shachu, S.A. Haque Oilk and Tanzira Rashid. The convention concluded with FOBANA acknowledging the newly elected committee and thanking participating organizations, performers, delegates and guests for their contributions to the three-day gathering.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with its annual commemoration ceremony in Lower Manhattan, bringing together victims’ families to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Family members will read aloud the names of the 2,983 men, women and children who lost their lives in the two attacks during the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial. This year’s ceremony will include a new moment of silence honoring people who have died from illnesses or injuries linked to the September 11 attacks and their aftermath.

Seven moments of silence will be observed during the commemoration. They will mark the moments when the World Trade Center towers were struck and collapsed, as well as the attacks on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93. The additional moment of silence will follow the reading of the names and will become a permanent part of the annual ceremony.

The memorial said hundreds of thousands of people participated in rescue, recovery and relief operations following the attacks in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Many responders and civilians were exposed to hazardous materials and toxins at Ground Zero, contributing to chronic illnesses and deaths in the years since the attacks.

The 25th anniversary comes as more than 100 million Americans are too young to have a personal memory of September 11, according to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The institution said its education programs have reached more than 20 million students as it works to preserve the history and lessons of the attacks for younger generations.

The annual Anniversary Digital Learning Experience will allow students and teachers around the world to commemorate the anniversary through a 30-minute film featuring first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath, followed by a live chat with museum staff.

The museum is also continuing its Never Forget Fund campaign, which supports 9/11 education and efforts to preserve the memory of those who were killed. Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg is matching donations to the fund dollar-for-dollar, up to $25 million.

The annual Tribute in Light installation will return at dusk on September 11, illuminating the New York City skyline with two beams of light representing the footprints of the World Trade Center towers. The lights will remain visible overnight before fading at dawn on September 12.

For the first time, the Tribute in Light will also be featured in a live national broadcast. At 8 p.m. Eastern Time, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, in partnership with Disney Entertainment Television, will present a one-hour special, “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan.”

The program will be hosted by David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer and will feature performances by Lainey Wilson, Cyndi Lauper and John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting.

The museum will also open a new exhibition, “In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service,” on September 12. The exhibition will explore the continuing legacy of service inspired by the attacks through firsthand accounts, artifacts and multimedia presentations.

Musical performances during the anniversary commemoration will include Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Jennifer Nettles and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, along with musicians from the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Musica Reginae and The Harlem Chamber Players.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum said it is also inviting journalists who covered the attacks and their aftermath to record and share their personal experiences as part of an effort to preserve the memories of those who witnessed one of the defining events of the 21st century.

The 25th anniversary commemoration is intended not only to remember those killed on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, but also to preserve the stories of courage, service, resilience and compassion that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.

NEW YORK — A Brooklyn day care owner has been sentenced to 76 months in federal prison for her leadership role in a massive Medicaid fraud and illegal kickback scheme involving two social adult day care centers and a home health care company, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Zakia Khan was sentenced on September 9, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Natasha C. Merle in federal court in Brooklyn. In addition to the prison sentence, Khan was ordered to pay more than $56 million in restitution and forfeit $5 million in proceeds connected to the fraud.

According to court documents, Khan owned and operated Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. in Coney Island. She also controlled Responsible Care Staffing Inc. and Tanwee Services Inc.

The fraudulent scheme operated from approximately October 2017 through July 2024. Prosecutors said Khan and her associates recruited Medicaid beneficiaries through marketers and paid illegal kickbacks to induce them to participate in the adult day care program.

The scheme involved submitting Medicaid claims for services that were not actually provided. The two adult day care centers submitted approximately $64 million in fraudulent claims, of which Medicaid paid approximately $56 million.

The broader criminal operation was described by federal prosecutors as a $68 million Medicaid fraud scheme. Khan and her associates also used various businesses to move and distribute proceeds from the scheme. Some of the money was allegedly used to provide cash kickbacks to Medicaid beneficiaries and marketers.

Khan pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks. At the time, she also agreed to forfeit $5 million in proceeds from the scheme.

During a search of Khan’s residence, investigators seized cash, gold jewelry and assets connected to two properties. Those assets are included in the forfeiture ordered by the court. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.

Several other defendants have also faced charges in connection with the scheme. Federal authorities initially charged eight people in connection with the alleged $68 million operation. The Justice Department has not publicly identified Khan’s nationality or country of origin in its official case documents. Therefore, she should not be described in the news as Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Indian unless a reliable source specifically confirms her background.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of New York.

FLORIDA: The 41st Convention of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), one of the largest organizations representing Bangladeshi communities in North America, will be held in New York next year. The Bangladesh League of America, New York, one of the oldest Bangladeshi organizations in the United States, has been selected as the host organization for the 2027 convention.

The announcement came during FOBANA’s Annual General Meeting held in Florida, where a new Executive Committee was elected for the next two years. Atiquer Rahman Atiq was elected Chairman of the new committee, while Ziaul Haque Zia and Aminul Jilani Collins were elected Vice Chairmen. Nehal Rahim was elected General Secretary. Md. Shahabuddin and Imran Jony Alam were elected Joint Secretaries, while Shahedul Islam Anjan was elected Treasurer.

The election of the new leadership is expected to bring renewed momentum to FOBANA’s organizational activities over the next two years. With the 41st FOBANA Convention scheduled to take place in New York in 2027, the new leadership will face significant organizational responsibilities in preparing for the major gathering of Bangladeshi Americans and their families from across North America.

Meanwhile, the 40th FOBANA Convention was held in Orlando, Florida, from September 4 to 6, bringing together Bangladeshi community members from different states across the United States and Canada. The three-day convention was held at the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks in Kissimmee, Florida, featuring cultural programs, music, discussions, business networking, youth activities, women’s leadership programs and community recognition events.

The three-day convention officially began on Friday, September 4. Registration and exhibition activities began at 4 p.m., followed by a cultural parade and flag ceremony at 6 p.m. A business and leadership discussion was held at 8 p.m., bringing together business leaders and community representatives.

The opening events highlighted FOBANA’s four-decade journey, the unity of the North American Bangladeshi community, preservation of Bangladeshi culture and heritage, and the importance of engaging younger generations in community activities. FOBANA Convention President Mohammad Shamim Mridha emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among Bangladeshi Americans. Convention Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu expressed appreciation to members of the community for their support in organizing the event. FOBANA Executive Committee Chairman Zahid Hasan and Executive Secretary Nehal Rahim also spoke about the convention, organizational activities and the future direction of FOBANA.

Saturday, September 5, was one of the busiest days of the convention. A Youth Innovation Summit was held at 10 a.m., focusing on youth leadership, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and the future role of the younger generation within the North American Bangladeshi community. A Women in Leadership program followed at 1 p.m., bringing together Bangladeshi women from different professional and community backgrounds to discuss leadership, social engagement and their contributions to community development.

The major attraction of the evening was the cultural concert featuring popular Bangladeshi performers. According to the organizers’ published list, the participating artists included Imran Mahmudul, Dinat Jahan Munni, Protic Hassan, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Arzeen Kamal, Annana Yeasmin Ankon and Rafiq Ahmed Milton.

Actor Sazu Khadem, actress Pori Moni, singer Sania Sultana Liza and actress Srabasti Tinny were also promoted as participants or special guests of the convention. The performances of the popular artists turned Saturday night into a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi music and culture, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Bangladeshi-American community.

Sunday, September 6, marked the final day of the three-day convention. The Community Awards ceremony was held at 11 a.m., recognizing individuals for their contributions to the Bangladeshi community. A vendor and business showcase was held at 2 p.m., giving participating entrepreneurs and service providers an opportunity to highlight their businesses and activities.

The convention concluded with a farewell luncheon at 4 p.m. One of the notable recognitions of the convention went to musician Nafeez Al Amin, who received a special award for his contribution to Bangla rock music. The recognition highlighted his contribution to the development and promotion of Bangla rock music.

The participation of well-known Bangladeshi artists was one of the major attractions of the 40th FOBANA Convention. Performances by Imran Mahmudul, Dinat Jahan Munni, Protic Hassan, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Arzeen Kamal, Annana Yeasmin Ankon and Rafiq Ahmed Milton generated considerable interest among attendees. Their performances brought the sound and atmosphere of Bangladesh to the diaspora, featuring contemporary Bangladeshi music and popular cultural performances. The presence of actors and other cultural personalities added another dimension to the three-day celebration. Direct interaction between artists and members of the audience further enhanced the festive atmosphere.

The 40th FOBANA Convention carried special significance as the organization marked four decades of its journey. For four decades, FOBANA has served as a platform for cultural connection, community networking and engagement among Bangladeshi communities across North America, while helping younger generations maintain ties with Bangladeshi culture and heritage. The return of the convention to Orlando after a long interval generated considerable enthusiasm among the local Bangladeshi community.

The host committee was led by President Mohammad Shamim Mridha, Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton and Event Management Convener A.K.M. Hossain Hitu, along with other committee members. The three-day gathering combined cultural activities with business discussions, leadership programs, youth initiatives, women’s leadership activities, community engagement and recognition programs.

The 40th FOBANA Convention in Orlando ultimately became a vibrant gathering of Bangladeshi Americans, celebrating music, culture, community and heritage while strengthening connections among Bangladeshis living across North America. With New York selected as the host city for the 41st FOBANA Convention in 2027 and a new executive leadership team now in place, attention is already turning toward the next chapter of FOBANA’s journey.

New York Correspondent: The upcoming election of the Bangladesh Society of New York, one of the largest organizations representing Bangladeshi immigrants in the United States, has become a major topic of discussion within New York’s Bangladeshi community. The election is scheduled for October 25, with approximately 35,000 members expected to be eligible to vote.

Candidates submitted their nomination papers on Sunday, September 6, at Queens Palace in Queens amid a festive atmosphere. More than a thousand supporters and activists attended the event, carrying banners and posters supporting their respective candidates and panels. Supporters also chanted slogans in favor of their preferred candidates.

The election is shaping up as a competitive contest between two major camps. The current president of the Bangladesh Society, Ataur Rahman Selim, and General Secretary Mohammad Ali are leading one panel. Challenging them are Azmal Hossain Kunu for president and Firoz Ahmed for general secretary.

Interestingly, both candidates contesting for the presidency are originally from Sylhet, Bangladesh, and are business partners in a restaurant business in New York. Despite their business partnership, they are now facing each other as political rivals in the community organization’s election. Syed Fazle Rabbi has submitted his nomination papers as the only independent candidate for the position of general secretary.

The Election Commission accepted nomination papers from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Chief Election Commissioner Abu Naser presided over the nomination process, assisted by Election Commissioners Badrul Hossain Khan, Shamsuddin Azad, Ruhul Amin Sarkar, Ahbab Chowdhury, Mithu Hamid and Mia Mohammad Dulal.

According to the Election Commission, nearly 300,000 Bangladeshis live in New York, while approximately 35,000 people have become members of the Bangladesh Society. Membership required a $20 fee, generating approximately $700,000 in membership revenue for the organization.

A total of 21 positions will be contested in this year’s election. Nomination fees range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the position. The nomination fee for president is $6,000, while candidates for general secretary must pay $5,000. Candidates running for member positions are required to pay a $2,000 nomination fee.

The unusually high nomination fees have sparked considerable discussion within the community. Many observers say the amount required to run for office in a nonprofit community organization is notable, particularly when compared with the overall cost of participating in the election.

The presidential and general secretary nomination fees of $6,000 and $5,000, respectively, have drawn particular attention. Beyond nomination fees, candidates and their supporters are expected to spend significant amounts on campaign activities, meetings and rallies, posters, banners, social media promotion and other election-related activities.

As a result, the Bangladesh Society election is increasingly being viewed as one of the most expensive community elections in the history of New York’s Bangladeshi community, particularly in terms of nomination and campaign expenses.

The final outcome will be determined through voting on October 25. As election day approaches, campaign activities are expected to intensify, with competing panels and candidates increasing their outreach and mobilization efforts across the community.

NEW YORK — A protest rally was held in New York demanding an end to persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh, an impartial investigation and swift justice in the killing of retired Rangpur teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and four members of his family, the release of political prisoners, restoration of political rights, protection of freedom of expression, and measures to control the soaring prices of essential commodities.

The rally, organized by Probashi Bangladeshi American, was held on September 2 at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens. Speakers said no citizen should be deprived of security or justice because of their religion, ethnicity, political identity or social status. They called on the state to ensure the life, liberty and constitutional rights of every citizen.

The killing of Ganapati Chakraborty and four members of his family received particular attention at the rally. Speakers said such a brutal attack on an entire family cannot be ignored and called for a prompt and impartial investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Speakers expressed concern over what they described as growing incidents of attacks, persecution, killings and sexual violence against members of minority communities in Bangladesh. They warned that failure to ensure proper investigations and justice could embolden perpetrators and further increase insecurity among ordinary citizens. They urged the authorities to guarantee the constitutional rights and security of all citizens without discrimination.

The speakers also expressed their dissatisfaction with Bangladesh’s ongoing political situation. They called for the release of political prisoners, the withdrawal of restrictions on political activities, and the holding of a free, fair and credible election with the participation of all political parties.

According to the speakers, genuine democratic development is not possible without ensuring citizens’ voting rights and meaningful political participation. The country’s economic situation was also discussed at the rally. Speakers said the sharp rise in the prices of essential goods has made everyday life increasingly difficult for ordinary people. They called for effective measures to stabilize the market and bring the prices of essential commodities within the reach of consumers. They also alleged that failure to control the market and what they described as government indifference were contributing to the growing hardship faced by the public.

The rally was chaired by Pradip Kar, an adviser to the U.S. Awami League. Among those who addressed the gathering were U.S. Awami League Organizing Secretary Abdul Hasib Mamun; Office Secretary Mohammad Ali Siddiqui; former president of the U.S. Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council Nabendu Dutta; U.S. Eastern Awami League Organizing Secretary Hasibul Hasan Mamun; U.S. Awami League leaders Faruk T. Molla, Sheikh Atiq, Lutfor Karim, Shyamal Kanti Chandra and Bishwas Liton Hossain; City Awami League Vice President Akhtar Hossain Sakhawat; senior journalist Haqikul Islam Khokon; New York State Awami League Vice President and member-secretary of the Sheikh Hasina Mukti Sangram Parishad Sheikh Atiq; former president of the U.S. Awami Swechhasebak League Nuruzzaman Sardar; U.S. Sramik League General Secretary Jewel Ahmed; U.S. Awami League Vice President Manzur Chowdhury; Jubo League leader Sheikh Jamal; Connecticut State Awami League General Secretary Humayun Ahmed Chowdhury; Sammilito Borshoboron Convener Mozahid Ansari; former press minister of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington Sazzad Hossain Sabuj; Mahanagar Awami League leader Shah Selim; Sheikh Hasina Mancha President Abdul Jalil and General Secretary Kaykobad; Ataur Rahman, Shahidul Islam, Rumana Akter, Z.A. Joy, former Chhatra League President Anisuzzaman Sabuj, U.S. Swechhasebak League General Secretary Syed Kibria Zaman, Shakti D. Gupta, a candidate for cultural secretary of Bangladesh Society, and former U.S. Chhatra League General Secretary Mohammad Jahangir Mia.

Speakers said justice for Ganapati Chakraborty and his family members is not merely a matter concerning one family, but is directly connected to the security, human rights and rule of law of every citizen in Bangladesh. They called for those responsible to be brought to justice through an impartial investigation, regardless of their political, religious or social identities.

They further emphasized that freedom of expression, political rights, religious freedom and cultural rights are not privileges granted to any particular group, but fundamental rights of every citizen. They urged the state to play an effective and impartial role in protecting those rights. Participants displayed banners and placards carrying various demands and chanted slogans in support of justice, human rights, democracy and citizen security.

From Jackson Heights, New York, the protesters delivered what they described as a clear message to Bangladesh: No citizen’s life or rights should be made unsafe because of religion, identity or political beliefs. Every killing must be impartially investigated and prosecuted, and the fundamental rights of every citizen must be guaranteed.

ATLANTA — Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Keisha Lance Bottoms has proposed allowing cities and counties to suspend or eliminate local sales taxes on groceries and several essential household products as part of her plan to address rising living costs. Bottoms announced the proposal Wednesday at Al Huda Groceries in Lawrenceville, where she said local governments should have greater flexibility to provide tax relief on essential purchases.

Under the proposal, local governments would be allowed to suspend or eliminate sales taxes on groceries, baby formula, feminine hygiene products and diapers. The plan would also allow local jurisdictions to use temporary tax relief during periods when families face increased financial pressure.

Sheikh Rahman opens Lawrenceville event

Georgia State Sen. Sheikh Rahman, D-Lawrenceville, opened the event where Bottoms unveiled the proposal. Rahman said the cost of living is putting pressure on Georgia families and contrasted Bottoms’ focus on household expenses with the priorities of Gov. Brian Kemp and Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson.

“Things are tough for everyone,” Rahman said, according to Capitol Beat/WABE, arguing that Bottoms would prioritize families as governor. Rahman represents Georgia’s 5th Senate District, which includes parts of Gwinnett County.

Georgia already exempts groceries from state sales tax

Georgia does not impose the state’s general sales tax on groceries, but local sales taxes can still apply to grocery purchases. Bottoms’ proposal would give cities and counties the option to suspend or eliminate those local taxes. The proposal would require approval by the Georgia General Assembly before local governments could receive the additional authority.

Bottoms also said her administration would provide a $250 million state-funded backstop to help local governments that participate in the program adjust to the loss of sales-tax revenue. She described the funding as temporary assistance for local governments as they adjust their budgets.

Cost of living becomes campaign issue

Affordability has become a major issue in Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Republican nominee Rick Jackson has separately proposed eliminating the state sales tax on residential electricity as part of his approach to lowering household expenses. Bottoms’ grocery proposal focuses specifically on giving local governments the option to reduce taxes on food and other family necessities.

The proposal’s implementation would ultimately depend on action by the state legislature and decisions by individual cities and counties. For now, Bottoms is presenting the plan as part of her broader campaign focus on household affordability, while supporters and opponents are expected to debate its potential effect on local government revenues and budgets.