NEW YORK — The Dhallywood Awards 2026, celebrating the rich heritage of Bangladeshi cinema, music, television and culture, will take place in New York on October 10. The prestigious event, which brings together leading Bangladeshi artists in the United States, will be held at the Evangel Church Center in Long Island City, Queens. The event is being organized under the overall supervision and sponsorship of Showtime President Khairul Islam Khokon and Vice President Chowdhury Safwat Gani. Shahin Kabir is serving as an adviser to the event.

Organizers said the Dhallywood Awards 2026 will honor a number of artists who have made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s film, television, music and cultural sectors. The names of the award recipients, however, will be officially announced on the day of the event, Khairul Islam Khokon said.

A number of popular Bangladeshi actors and artists are expected to attend the event, including actor and filmmaker Afzal Hossain, popular villain Misha Sawdagor, actors Amit Hasan, Nirob Hossain, Emon, Chanchal Chowdhury, Toma Mirza, Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Tanzia Zaman Mithila, Sporshia, Shirin Shila, Jolly and Samira Khan Mahi. The music lineup will also feature popular Bangladeshi singers, including Rizia Parvin, S.I. Tutul and Bindu Kona, among others.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will feature stage performances and musical presentations, generating considerable interest among Bangladeshi expatriates in the New York area. A major attraction of this year’s event will be popular Bangladeshi film star Shakib Khan. According to the organizers, Khan will receive an award and will also participate in presenting awards and performing on stage.

It will be his first appearance at the Dhallywood Awards in the United States in nearly five years. He previously attended the 19th Dhallywood Awards, held in Jamaica in 2021. Organizers said this year’s event will feature an unusually large gathering of popular Bangladeshi stars from different segments of the entertainment industry.

“Our main goal is to honor artists associated with Bangladeshi film, music, television and culture and to showcase the heritage of Bangla culture on foreign soil,” Khairul Islam Khokon said. “We have confirmed the participation of a large number of leading Bangladeshi stars. We want to present a diverse and memorable event for audiences in the diaspora.”

Chowdhury Safwat Gani said the Dhallywood Awards is more than simply an awards ceremony.

“It is an important platform for honoring the art and culture of our country,” he said. “The event was not held for a year due to various circumstances. After that break, we are organizing the Dhallywood Awards 2026 with renewed energy and commitment.”

Gani said the award recipients would be announced during the event and that special performances by participating artists would add to the experience for audiences.

“We expect the Dhallywood Awards 2026, featuring direct participation by stars of Bangladeshi cinema, music and culture, to become not only an awards ceremony but also a major gathering celebrating Bangla culture in the diaspora,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh Situation Discussed

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

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

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

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

Bangladeshi-American Community Leaders Attend

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

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

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

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

Call for Unity

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

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and development partners on Tuesday broke ground on Sol on Park, a 229-apartment, 100% affordable senior housing development at the Morris Houses campus in the Bronx. The project will provide new affordable homes for current NYCHA residents, formerly homeless New Yorkers and low-income seniors. City officials described it as the largest use of the Transfer of Assistance program to date, a financing approach that uses public land and investment to create new permanently affordable housing.

“New Yorkers are facing a housing crisis, and we have no time to waste,” Mayor Mamdani said at the groundbreaking. He said the project would provide current NYCHA residents and low-income seniors with access to new housing while strengthening the Morris Houses community.

80 homes reserved for NYCHA residents

Sol on Park will include 80 apartments reserved for current NYCHA residents living at Morris I and II Houses. Another 69 homes will be designated for formerly homeless seniors, while 79 apartments will be available through the Housing Connect lottery for low- and middle-income seniors.

The development will also include more than 8,000 square feet of community space, health-focused amenities, a pedestrian plaza and a new accessible space for the Morris Houses Resident Association.  Construction is now underway, with pre-leasing and early move-ins expected in early 2029.

Public land used for affordable housing

The project is being developed by The NRP Group, Selfhelp Realty Group and Foxy Management in partnership with NYCHA, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Housing Development Corporation.

The city’s Transfer of Assistance model allows public land and investment to support new affordable housing while creating opportunities for existing NYCHA residents to move into newly constructed apartments. NYCHA said the project will provide current Morris Houses seniors with an opportunity to move into a new accessible building while also adding social services and community facilities.

The project is an 18-story development designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning. It is planned to meet LEED Platinum and Passive House standards, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and resident health and comfort. On-site services will include partnerships with Union Community Health Center and Green Bronx Machine’s National Health & Wellness Center.

Part of Mamdani housing strategy

The Sol on Park development is part of the Mamdani administration’s broader effort to develop affordable housing on publicly owned land. The administration has said it plans to expand the Transfer of Assistance approach through its Block by Block housing plan. The city’s LIFT Tracker has identified more than 50,000 potential new homes across more than 100 active publicly owned sites.

NYCHA’s own development information confirms that Sol on Park is a 229-unit senior affordable housing project on Park Avenue, with 80 units set aside for Morris Houses seniors through the Transfer of Assistance program. The project had previously reached financial closing in July, when city housing agencies announced the $214 million development and its planned 229 affordable senior homes.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to continue rapidly deporting migrants to third countries while the justices consider the legality of the policy. The court’s 6-3 order temporarily suspended a lower-court requirement that migrants receive an opportunity to challenge their removal before being sent to countries other than their own. The case concerns the administration’s use of third-country deportations, under which migrants may be removed to countries with which they may have little or no connection. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear full arguments over the policy in December.

The administration has argued that third-country removals are an important immigration-enforcement tool, particularly when migrants’ countries of origin refuse to accept them or when authorities consider them security or criminal threats. Immigration attorneys and other critics of the policy have challenged the practice in court, arguing that migrants can face serious risks if sent to unfamiliar countries without adequate opportunity to contest their removal.

According to Associated Press reporting, the administration has already deported roughly 25,000 people to more than two dozen countries under the policy, with Mexico among the principal destinations. The Supreme Court’s temporary order does not constitute a final ruling on whether the administration’s third-country deportation policy is lawful. The broader legal dispute remains pending before the justices.

The case is part of a wider legal battle over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including the government’s authority to accelerate removals and limit procedural protections for migrants facing deportation. The December arguments are expected to provide the court with an opportunity to consider the legal requirements surrounding third-country removals and the protections available to people facing deportation.

For migrants currently subject to removal proceedings, Tuesday’s order means the administration can continue the challenged practice while the litigation proceeds. The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling could have broader implications for the government’s authority to deport migrants to countries other than their countries of origin and for the procedural protections available before such removals take place.

New York — Nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people could lose access to essential assistance this year as the United Nations refugee agency faces a severe funding shortfall, the UNHCR warned Tuesday. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said it is facing a $5.789 billion funding gap for 2026, with humanitarian needs continuing to rise while donor contributions decline.

According to a new UNHCR report cited by Reuters, the agency had received only 32 percent of the $8.505 billion it estimated it would need for 2026 as of July. Funding available to UNHCR fell by 24 percent between 2024 and 2025, contributing to what the agency described as one of the most serious financial crises in its history. UNHCR expects the number of people under its mandate to reach 131.2 million by the end of 2026, up from 129.4 million at the end of last year.

The agency warned that further reductions could affect refugee registration, child-protection programs and services for survivors of gender-based violence. In Chad, where large numbers of refugees have fled violence in neighboring Sudan, approximately 319,000 people face delays in registration, while around 200,000 women and girls could lose access to safe spaces and prevention programs.

Sudan remains one of the world’s largest displacement emergencies. UNHCR said approximately 140,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Sudan were still unregistered by the middle of the year after registration operations were suspended for several months. The funding crisis is also affecting assistance for people returning to Afghanistan.

UNHCR grants for returning Afghans have been reduced from $375 to $170 per person, while more than one million people have returned to the country this year following forced or voluntary returns from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. The agency has already taken significant cost-cutting measures. Its workforce was reduced by 33 percent in 2025, while offices were closed in 140 locations and operations were discontinued in 15 countries compared with 2024.

UNHCR also warned that an increasing proportion of donor funding is earmarked for specific purposes, limiting the agency’s ability to redirect resources toward emergencies as they arise. The proportion of tightly earmarked donor funding has risen to 51 percent in 2026, compared with 19 percent five years ago, according to the agency.

UNHCR said the consequences of continued underfunding could extend beyond reduced services, potentially weakening refugee protection systems and leaving more displaced people without documentation or access to essential support. The warning comes as global displacement remains near record levels, putting additional pressure on governments and humanitarian organizations already struggling with limited resources.

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

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

Two days of religion, music and culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 11: Durga Puja, Anjali and special concert

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

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

Bringing Bengali heritage to a global audience

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

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

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

A focus on the next generation

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

A major cultural event in Times Square

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

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

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

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

We wanted to meet the prime minister directly

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

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

Nine demands of expatriate Bangladeshis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expatriates make significant contributions to Bangladesh

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

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

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

Focus on citizenship, property and consular services

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

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

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

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

Society disputes $725,000 spending allegation

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

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

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

$200,000 Bangladesh Center deposit returned

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

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

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

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

$89,000 spent on eight Iftar events

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

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

Officials’ checks described as reimbursements

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

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

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

Leaders urge verification of information

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

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

Md. Mashiur Rahman Majumder, New York — Thousands of people gathered along Manhattan’s Madison Avenue on Sunday September 27, 2026 for the Muslim Day Parade, turning out despite heavy rain to celebrate faith, cultural diversity and community unity. Parents accompanied by their children, students, teachers, imams, community leaders and representatives of religious and social organizations took part in the annual event. The strong turnout despite the unfavorable weather highlighted the diversity and community spirit of Muslim New Yorkers.

Held against the backdrop of the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s parade carried the theme “United in Faith, Diverse in Culture.” Organizers also promoted the messages “One Ummah, One Nation, Proud Americans” and “Love for All, Hatred for None.”

Participants representing different languages, nationalities and cultural backgrounds joined the procession, reflecting the diverse character of the Muslim American community. Religious and community leaders were joined by Muslim officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), members of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), representatives of Islamic organizations, law enforcement personnel and elected officials.

Despite the persistent rain, the participation of community members helped turn the parade into a major gathering celebrating Muslim American identity and community engagement. Mohammad Razvi, president of the Council of Peoples Organization (COPO) and convener of the parade, thanked participants and everyone involved in organizing the event. He also expressed appreciation to organizers, volunteers, partner organizations and sponsors who worked behind the scenes to make the parade possible.

Razvi said New York’s Muslim community represents unity and peace, adding that the large turnout despite the rain demonstrated the strength of that unity. Students and members of the school community from Elham Academy in Queens also participated in the parade. For the students, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate their faith and heritage while taking part in a broader community gathering. Parents and teachers joined the students and shared the experience with them.

Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, founder of Elham Academy and chief executive officer of Save the People, said Islam is a religion of peace. He highlighted the contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States and said Muslims have played an important role in the country’s education, service, culture and development.

Shahidullah said the Muslim community would continue working alongside people of all ethnicities and faiths to showcase the values of Islam and contribute to the continued progress of the United States. The parade’s organizing committee included Tahir Mustafa Kukigi, Rafiq Mohamed, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ainul Haque, Zilfa Baksh, Ed Powell, Sakibeh Mustafa, Souleymane Konate, Bajah Ruhi, Kenan Taskent, Ahmad Ali, Hafida Torres, Moni Lutfi, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah and Mohammad Razvi.

According to the parade’s promotional materials, participating organizations included COPO, Darul Uloom New York, Save the People, Al-Amin School, Jalalabad Foundation for Children and Youth, Africa Community Services, African Cultures Promotions, Albiana Islamic Cultural Center, Al-Ihsan Academy, Al-Iman School, Al-Mamur School, American Council of Minority Women, Basti, Council of African Imams, Islamic Leadership School, Jamaica Muslim Center and Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.

The promotional materials also listed numerous mosques, schools and community organizations, including Al-Madani Mosque, Masjid Al-Hikmah, Masjid Al-Ghaffar, Makki Mosque, Masjid Asri, Miraj Islamic School, Razi School, Yankasa Association of USA, Moroccan Society of New York, Yemeni American Association of New York, Yonkers Islamic Center, Elham for All, New York Imam Council, Islamic Schools Association, Caribbean American Muslim Association and Smile of Life.

The heavy rain did little to dampen participation. Organizers said the parade sent an important message to younger generations: people can take pride in their faith and cultural identity while embracing other communities and contributing to a peaceful and united America.