Shibbir Ahmed, United Nations Headquarters, New York: The United States has proposed expanding the arms embargo to cover the entire territory of Sudan as part of efforts to increase pressure on the parties involved in the country’s ongoing civil war. In a draft resolution presented to the United Nations Security Council on Monday, Washington called for extending the existing arms restrictions beyond Darfur to the whole of Sudan, including measures aimed at stopping the transfer of drones and other weapons and military equipment.

The U.S. initiative is intended to prevent foreign military assistance from reaching the parties involved in the Sudan conflict and to pressure them to return to the negotiating table. U.S. officials have argued that military, financial and political support from outside countries has contributed to prolonging the war.

The proposal, however, has exposed divisions within the Security Council. China and Russia, both permanent members of the council, have raised objections to the U.S. initiative. As permanent members, both countries have veto power. Britain and France, meanwhile, have supported the U.S. proposal. Denmark, which holds the Security Council presidency this August, has also backed the initiative.

Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. According to the United Nations, the fighting has displaced millions of people and created a severe humanitarian crisis across large parts of the country. The protection of civilians and the need to end the conflict were also key issues raised during Monday’s Security Council meeting.

UN political and peacebuilding chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned the Security Council that the conflict in Sudan is worsening and that the warring parties continue to rely on military solutions. She called for stronger international action to help bring an end to the fighting.

If adopted, the U.S. proposal would pave the way for an international arms embargo covering the entire territory of Sudan, including restrictions on the supply of weapons, ammunition and military equipment. Preventing the transfer of modern military technologies, including drones, is also a key objective of the initiative.

However, opposition from China and Russia has created uncertainty over whether the proposal can secure enough support in the Security Council. The U.S. initiative has therefore emerged as a major point of diplomatic tension at the United Nations as international efforts continue to end Sudan’s devastating war.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: The 44th annual ‘India Day Parade’ was held in Manhattan, New York, on Sunday, August 16, as part of celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day. The grand parade along Madison Avenue showcased the rich culture, heritage, and diversity of India. Thousands of people participated in the parade, while large crowds gathered along both sides of the avenue to enjoy the festivities.

Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), this year’s parade carried the theme ‘Harmony in Heritage.’ According to the organizers, the event is one of the largest celebrations of Indian culture in the United States.

The parade began around noon on Madison Avenue. The procession came alive with the participation of various cultural and social organizations, business groups, regional associations, marching bands, and dance troupes. According to information released by the organizers, more than 40 colorful floats and over 50 marching groups took part in this year’s celebration.

Floats decorated in the three colors of the Indian national flag—saffron, white, and green—made their way along Madison Avenue. Traditional clothing, dance, music, and cultural performances representing different Indian states and regions showcased the country’s remarkable cultural diversity. Indian-Americans of all ages, from children and teenagers to senior members of the community, participated in the parade.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, along with elected officials, political leaders, business leaders, and community representatives, attended the parade. Governor Hochul joined the opening ceremony and participated in the procession alongside other distinguished guests.

Indian film and entertainment personalities were also among the major attractions of this year’s parade. Actress Pooja Hegde was one of the special guests. Cast members and performers from the popular Indian television show ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ also took part in the parade, drawing enthusiastic responses from spectators.

The parade created a festive atmosphere throughout Madison Avenue and the surrounding areas. Large crowds lined the streets, many holding Indian flags and cheering as the procession passed by. The participation of children and young people was particularly notable.

For New York’s Indian-American community, the India Day Parade is more than a celebration of India’s Independence Day. It is also an important occasion for preserving and passing on Indian culture and heritage to younger generations living in the diaspora. At the same time, the parade highlights the contributions of Indian-Americans to the multicultural society of the United States.

According to organizers, the celebrations extended beyond the parade, with food, cultural, and entertainment programs taking place throughout the day. Food vendors, cultural performances, and community booths were set up around Madison Avenue, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The weekend-long India Day celebrations began on Saturday with the hoisting of the Indian national flag at Times Square and a special lighting of the Empire State Building in the colors of the Indian flag. Sunday’s grand parade brought the weekend’s celebrations to a colorful conclusion.

The 44th ‘India Day Parade’ in the heart of Manhattan once again highlighted India’s culture, heritage, and the unity of the Indian diaspora. Under the theme ‘Harmony in Heritage,’ this year’s celebration also emphasized the strong cultural ties between India and the United States.

Note: There are slight differences among reports regarding the parade route. According to official FIA information, the route ran along Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street. NBC New York described the route as covering 13 blocks between East 39th Street and East 26th Street.

BOGURA CORRESPONDENT: Alamgir Hossain, an executive member of the Helping Hand Foundation and a Bangladeshi expatriate living in the United States, recently visited Bogura to observe the foundation’s humanitarian activities and meet people who have benefited from its various support programs.

Arriving in Bogura from Dhaka, Hossain, accompanied by his family members, toured several of the foundation’s ongoing initiatives and spoke directly with beneficiaries. He also followed up with people who had previously received assistance from the organization, including financial support, sewing machines, and help with house construction.

During the visit, Hossain personally distributed clothing and cash assistance among beneficiaries. He also listened to their experiences and learned about their current living conditions and the impact of the support they had received from the foundation.

Hossain was accompanied by his wife, one son, and two daughters. Together, they visited several of the foundation’s humanitarian initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged and disadvantaged people in Bogura.

Foundation officials said the Helping Hand Foundation has been carrying out a range of programs not only to provide immediate humanitarian assistance but also to improve the livelihoods and living standards of disadvantaged people.

They described Hossain’s visit and his direct involvement in the assistance programs as a positive and encouraging development, particularly because he continues to remain connected with the foundation’s activities while living abroad.

At the conclusion of the visit, foundation representatives expressed their gratitude to Alamgir Hossain and his family for their support and participation. They said they hope such humanitarian initiatives will continue in the future for the welfare of vulnerable and underprivileged communities.

Shibbir Ahmed, Jackson Heights, New York: A commemorative program marking the 51st death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day was held in Jackson Heights, New York, with due respect and solemnity. The daylong program included a memorial gathering, prayer session, blood donation drive, and distribution of food and prayer mats.

The program was organized by the Jackson Heights Elakabashi on Saturday, August 15, in front of Nabanna Restaurant at 37-22, 73rd Street, Jackson Heights. The blood donation drive began at 1:00 p.m., followed by the distribution of food and prayer mats from 3:00 p.m.

At the beginning of the program, prayers were offered for the eternal peace and forgiveness of those who lost their lives during the month of August. Imam Kazi Qayum led the prayers and supplication. Following the prayer session, food and prayer mats were distributed among those attending the program.

According to the organizers, five cows were slaughtered for the event, and food and tabarruk were distributed among approximately 1,500 people. Fresh mango juice was also prepared and distributed among members of the general public. Prayer mats were also distributed. Chief Coordinator Shah J. Chowdhury said approximately 40 people voluntarily donated blood during the blood donation program.

President of Jackson Heights Elakabashi Sakil Mia, General Secretary Mohammad Alam Nomi, Convener Mir Nizamul Haque, Member Secretary Mamun Miaji, Chairman Redwanul Haque, Chief Coordinator Shah J. Chowdhury, and other leaders and representatives of the organization were present at the event.

Speakers at the program recalled the August 15, 1975 assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and members of his family. They prayed for the eternal peace and forgiveness of all those who were killed during August and remembered the events of August 15 as one of the darkest and most tragic chapters in the history of Bangladesh.

On August 15, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated along with members of his family. Several family members and close relatives were also killed in the massacre. His two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, survived because they were abroad at the time. Bangabandhu’s nephew Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni, his pregnant wife Arzu Moni, and members of the family of Abdus Rab Sernabat were also killed during the attacks.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the National Mourning Day designation and public holiday associated with August 15 were abolished in Bangladesh. Despite this, Bangladeshi expatriates in Jackson Heights organized the program to remember Bangabandhu and those who lost their lives on August 15.

President of Jackson Heights Elakabashi Shakil Mia said, “Although we live abroad, expatriate Bangladeshis have a deep connection with the history and heritage of Bangladesh. This type of program is organized with the aim of introducing the younger generation to the history of the country and the spirit of the Liberation War, while also bringing everyone together in social and humanitarian activities.”

General Secretary Mohammad Alam Nomi said, “A large number of people participated in the program organized by the Jackson Heights Elakabashi. Through distributing food and prayer mats among approximately 1,500 people and preparing tabarruk from five slaughtered cows, we tried to strengthen our connection with the community. We will continue such social and humanitarian activities in the future.”

Chairman Redwanul Haque said, “It is our responsibility to remember Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and those who were killed on August 15, even while living abroad. At the same time, we must work together for the welfare of our community.”

Chief Coordinator Shah J. Chowdhury said, “This year’s program included a memorial gathering, prayer session, distribution of food and prayer mats, as well as a blood donation drive. Approximately 40 people voluntarily donated blood. We will continue organizing similar programs in the future as part of our commitment to serving people and fulfilling our social responsibilities.”

Children’s author and a prominent voice for the Liberation War, Humayun Kabir Dhali, said that remembering the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and those who were killed on August 15 is a moral responsibility even for Bangladeshis living abroad. He emphasized the importance of presenting the younger generation with an accurate account of the Liberation War and the sacrifices made during that period. He also called on expatriate Bangladeshis to remain united and participate in social and humanitarian activities while preserving the history and heritage of the nation.

Also present at the program were Joint Conveners Mia Md. Dulal, Alamgir Hossain, Abdul Malek, and Abdul Hamid. The program was conducted by Shah Newaz. Joint Member Secretaries were Duke Khan and Md. Mahbub Rahman. Bipul Saha and Moinuzzaman Chowdhury were responsible for supervision. The principal patrons were M. A. Aziz and Asef Bari Tutul.

Co-Chairmen present at the event included Sakhawat Biswas, Z. R. Chowdhury (Litu), and Mofizur Rahman. Patrons included Moinul Islam, Attorney Moin Chowdhury, Ashraf Chowdhury Khokon, Sohel Gazi, Fahad Solaiman, Nurul Azim, and Tarek Hasan Khan.

The chief adviser to the program was Shah Newaz. Other advisers included Harun Bhuiyan, Md. Mohiuddin Dewan, Rashed Ahmed, Ishtiaq Rumi, Sirajul Haque Kamal, Kamruzzaman Kamrul, Mansur Chowdhury, Md. Piar, Rafiq Ahmed, Iqtaruzzaman Ratan, Md. Kabir Ratan, Shafiuddin Mia, and Shahadat Hossain.

The program received support from Golden Age Home Care, NY Home Care, All County Home Care, Bari Home Care, NY Senior Adult Day Care, Caring Friend Direct, Eternal Care Service, Dera Restaurant, Ruposhi Chandpur Foundation, Premium Sweets, Reliable Home Care, First Home Care, SS Brokerage, JBBA, Patel Brothers, and various individuals, organizations, and business owners.

Additional supporters included Md. Manik Babu, Zahid Alam, Kamruzzaman Bakul, Humayun Kabir Dhali, Anwar Milon, Abu Nasr, Shams Jony, Shaheen Chowdhury, Aftab Jony, Akram Hossain Biplob, Md. Sayem Ullah, Mukta Mia, Gopal Sanyal, Z. A. Joy, Jahangir H. Mia, Nuruzzaman Sardar, Golam Kibria, Kamal Hossain Rakib, H. M. Iqbal, Zafar Ahmed, Wasim, Ganesh Kirtaniya, Md. Radbi, Shahriar Hossain, Shovon, Anwar Uddin, Mohiuddin Rahul, Redwanur Rahman Jewel, Jahanara Akter (Lucky), Farhana Chowdhury, Monir Hossain, Shyamal Nath, Matiur Rahman, Matin, Manzur Chowdhury, Md. Zahid Mia, Anisuzzaman Sobuj, Abdul Hadi Rana, Bidyut Hossain, and Hasanuzzaman Sabu, among others.

Also present at the event were Rashed Ahmed, Faruk Hossain, Golam Mostafa Khan Meraj, Mukit Chowdhury, Lavlu Ansar, Abul Bashar Chunnu, Khurshed Alam Bablu, Mizanur Rahman, Md. Chana Ullah, and Saikat Akbar (Ritchie).

The organizers said that Bangladeshi expatriates in Jackson Heights intend to continue organizing such programs to remember the history of Bangladesh, the spirit of the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and those who lost their lives on August 15. They also expressed their commitment to standing beside members of the Bangladeshi community in New York through continued social and humanitarian initiatives.

Staff Correspondent, New York: BNP Member of Parliament from Dinajpur-1, Monzurul Islam, has warned that a “difficult time” awaits Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stating that the beating he has faced so far is only the beginning.

“The beating of Patwary has just begun. The real beating hasn’t even started yet,” said the BNP lawmaker. “Speaking as an MP, a very difficult future awaits him.”

He made these remarks on Friday during a civic rally organized at the Bangladesh Consulate in New York, USA, to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. According to Monzurul Islam, Nasiruddin Patwary’s remarks crossing the boundaries of freedom of speech regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family are unacceptable.

“Not only the Prime Minister, but when he speaks about his wife and daughter, we cannot tolerate it because they are not a part of this. Yet Patwary is doing this constantly,” he added.

Staff Correspondent, New York: A documentary screened at the Bangladesh Consulate in New York on August 7 to mark the second anniversary of the “July-August Mass Uprising” sparked intense controversy and tension. Nur Hossain, an expatriate who identified himself as a “July fighter,” was ejected from the venue after protesting that the documentary distorted history.

During the event, a documentary focusing on the July-August uprising was shown. Immediately following the screening, Nur Hossain stood up in strong protest, pointing his finger at the Consul General, Press Minister Golam Mortuza of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, and other officials present. He stated, “The July revolution is the harvest of BNP’s 17-year movement. Yet, BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir himself said that the fall of fascism is the harvest of the students’ movement. Didn’t we fight? History has been distorted in the documentary.”

His remarks triggered immediate anger and backlash among the BNP and affiliate leaders attending the event. Heated arguments ensued between Hossain and several leaders. As the situation quickly escalated, he was pushed out of the venue, and consulate security guards barred him from re-entering.

Despite the high tension, the consulate’s scheduled program continued, and the event concluded as planned. Among others, Member of Parliament Monjurul Haque delivered a speech.

Amidst the commotion, Democratic Party District Leader-at-Large and Attorney Moin Chowdhury took the microphone to calm the attendees, urging them: “Brothers, do not be unruly. This is a government institution.”

Strongly criticizing the incident, Gias Ahmed, a member of the BNP Central Executive Committee, remarked, “For 40 years, we have been in continuous movements in this country against Ershad, against 1/11, and against fascist Sheikh Hasina. We have never seen this person before. He is an agent of fascist Hasina. It seems he has no idea about the July movement and its success. In the future, we must ensure that such covert intruders cannot enter such events.”

Meanwhile, Golam Faruk Shahin, a member of the Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, described the situation as “unwanted.” He stated, “Under the banner of US BNP, all of us were vocal in the movement to oust fascism. There is no scope for arguing over this.”

NEW YORK: A violent clash erupted between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Jackson Heights, Queens, leaving one senior leader seriously injured and another arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 3 during an event held on 73rd Street, commonly known as “Bangladesh Street,” in Jackson Heights.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a heated verbal altercation broke out between members of the two factions over longstanding organizational disputes and leadership rivalry. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, resulting in a bloody clash.

During the violence, several people at the scene were heard shouting warnings that a weapon or firearm might be present, prompting panic among attendees. Multiple videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media, drawing significant attention and concern within the Bangladeshi-American community.

Mohammad Shihab, Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League, was reportedly assaulted during the clash and sustained serious injuries. Local residents and bystanders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.

Responding to emergency calls, officers from the NYPD arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control. Based on allegations of assault, police detained and later arrested Zakir Hossain Rahul, also a Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Local party members said the violence stemmed from longstanding internal divisions within the organization, including demands for the resignation of the recently appointed president of the U.S. unit, Mahmud Hasan, and disagreements over the current leadership committee. They alleged that the clash was the result of escalating political rivalry and a struggle for organizational control.

The incident has drawn criticism from many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, who expressed disappointment over the outbreak of violence involving a prominent student organization on U.S. soil.

Following the incident, the President of the United States Awami League, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, and General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad issued a joint statement urging party leaders and activists to remain calm and exercise restraint.

In the statement, Dr. Rahman said those responsible for the violence would be investigated and that strict organizational action would be taken in accordance with the party’s constitution. The leaders also urged supporters to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation on social media and to rely only on verified information regarding the incident. The NYPD investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

New York: The first-ever New York Bengali Film Festival concluded successfully after a four-day celebration of Bengali cinema, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Bangladeshi diaspora and local film enthusiasts. Held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, the festival featured a vibrant showcase of films, cultural performances and an awards ceremony.

The festival was jointly organized by Priyojon Films and Lemon Studio, with support from the American Bangladeshi Producers Association. All County Home Care served as one of the event’s principal sponsors.

During the first three days, audiences enjoyed a diverse selection of short films, documentaries and feature films by filmmakers from Bangladesh and North America. The strong turnout reflected the continued passion of expatriate Bangladeshis for Bengali cinema despite living abroad.

The closing ceremony featured a red carpet reception, cultural performances and an awards presentation attended by prominent Bangladeshi entertainment personalities, including actors Zayed Khan, Kazi Maruf, Emon, Sojol and Bindu, as well as popular singer Pratik Hasan. Members of the Bangladeshi community in New York welcomed the opportunity to meet their favorite artists in person.

The festival recognized outstanding achievements in Bengali cinema from 2023 to 2025 across multiple categories.

Actor Shakib Khan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Priyotoma, while Shabnam Bubly was named Best Actress for Deyaler Desh. Hridi Haq received the Best Director award for 1971 Shei Shob Din.

Among the other major winners, Chanchal Chowdhury received the Best Supporting Actor award for Toofan, while Sanjida Preeti won Best Supporting Actress for 1971 Shei Shob Din. Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya, directed by Shihab Shaheen, was named Best Web Film.

Other award recipients included Mamunun Emon (Maya), Afsana Ara Bindu (Unish 20), child actors Kazi Arisha (Green Card) and Nairita Hasin Roudromoyi (Jongli), singers Balam, Pritom Hasan and Avanti Sithi, story writer Dr. Enamul Haque, screenwriters Nazim Ud Daula and Raihan Rafi, cinematographers Suman Sarkar and Sahel Rony, editors Simit Roy Antor and Kamruzzaman Rony, sound recordist Ripon Nath, lyricists Asif Iqbal and Someshwar Oli, composer Prince Mahmud, and music director Imon Saha.

In the film categories, Lost won Best Short Film, while Songs for a Country was named Best Documentary.

Veteran actor Ahmed Sharif received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bengali cinema. Special honors were also presented to Bioscope Films, Star Cineplex, and the streaming platform Chorki for their contributions to the growth and promotion of the Bangladeshi film industry.

According to the organizers, the festival aims not only to screen films but also to strengthen the connection between the younger Bangladeshi diaspora and Bengali cinema while expanding the global reach of Bangladesh’s film industry.

Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition, organizers, filmmakers and audiences expressed optimism that next year’s festival will be even larger, with broader international participation and greater opportunities to showcase Bengali cinema on the world stage.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: At the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development at the UN Headquarters in New York today Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury called for strengthening research and data systems, bridging the digital divide through enhanced international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building, promoting the ethical use of emerging technologies with strong data privacy safeguards, and investing in digital skills particularly for women and youth while delivering its statement.

Highlighting the critical role of technology and research in achieving ICPD objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals, he noted that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks internet access, limiting opportunities in essential services.

In his statement the Ambassador underlined Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, expanding immunization coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting women’s empowerment and enhancing collaboration with research institutions. He also emphasized the use of digital health solutions, including telemedicine and real-time disease surveillance.

Stressing the importance of investing in youth, skills development and innovation, Ambassador Chowdhury also acknowledged challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and non-communicable diseases as barrier for sustainable development.