Staff Reporter: Leaders and activists of the United States Awami League have strongly protested what they described as a conspiracy to ban the Bangladesh Awami League. They warned that if such activities are not stopped, a widespread movement will be launched across the United States. The remarks were made at a protest rally held on April 5 in Jackson Heights, New York City. Speakers at the event alleged that BNP and Jamaat are involved in efforts to push for a ban on the Awami League.

Addressing the rally, speakers said that the Awami League is not just a political party, but a historic organization that led the birth of Bangladesh. They argued that those who do not believe in the country’s red and green flag are capable of such actions. They further stated that in the past, Pakistani military rulers had also attempted to ban the Awami League, drawing parallels with the current situation.

Speaking at the rally, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of the US Awami League, said, “Those in power through what we consider a staged and illegitimate election should not forget that an election excluding a large portion of Awami League supporters lacks credibility. This issue will soon resonate across New York and the wider United States.”

The rally began with an opening speech by Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and was conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad.

Among those present were Sajjad Hossain Sabuj, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC; Imdad Chowdhury, General Secretary of New York City Awami League; Vice President Sakhawat Hossain Chanchal; Dr. Masudul Hasan, Vice President of US Awami League; freedom fighter Sharaf Sarkar; Solaiman Ali; Zainal Abedin; John Sikder; Organizing Secretary Mohiuddin Dewan; Sharif Kamrul Hira; M A Malek; Professor Shahnaz Momtaz, President of US Mahila Awami League; Sheikh Atik, Vice President of New York State Awami League; Shahin Azmal, General Secretary; Ashrafulddin, Vice President of US Swechchhasebak League; Bronx Awami League leader Md. Muhit; US Awami League leader Md. Tulon; Jubo League leader Sebul Mia; Chhatra League leaders Hriday Mia and Zahid Hasan, among others. Also present were journalist union leader Saban Mahmud, Organizing Secretary Abul Hasib Mamun, and Executive Member Shahanara Rahman.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan today said the government has so far cancelled gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters as part of its initiative to update the list of genuine freedom fighters. “The Liberation War Affairs Ministry is working to find out fake freedom fighters who have enrolled themselves as freedom fighters and taken financial facilities during the immediate past fascist regime,” he said.

The minister said this while giving a statement responding to an emergency important public notice raised by treasury bench lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malique of Sylhet-3 under rules 71 and earlier adopted in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.

The government has cancelled the gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters during the period between August 2024 and March, this year, he said, adding that concerned ministry is working to cancel the enrollment of the fake freedom fighter after concluding necessary verification.

The enrollment of the fake freedom fighters took place enormously during the fascist regime. The National Freedom Fighters Council (Jatiya Muktijoddha Council – JAMUKA), an autonomous Bangladesh government body under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, responsible for identifying, listing, and ensuring the welfare of the freedom fighters.

Although it is a routine work and ongoing process of the council to carry out probe and hearing based on the complaint of the enrollment of ‘fake freedom fighters’, Azam told the parliament.

If the concerned ministry and the council get any complaint on fake freedom fighters then a sub-committee formed comprising with the members of the National Freedom Fighters will give recommendation to cancel the gazette of the fake freedom fighters following carrying out necessary investigation and hearing, said the minister.

Based on the recommendation of JAMUKA sub-committee, the government will cancel the gazette of the fake freedom fighters. Replying to another part of the notice, the minister said that the government will provide digital certificate and smart card to the expatriate freedom fighters, adding that the expatriate freedom fighters will get the recognition after receiving their application.

DHAKA – US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The US envoy met the premier at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this noon, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

During the meeting, the US ambassador handed over two photographs and a replica of the White House to the Prime Minister. One photograph features Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other shows former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and former US President George Bush Sr.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were present at the meeting. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest.

New York: The “Bangladesh Day Parade 2026” will take place in New York City on May 17, promising a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday (April 1) at the Nabanno Restaurant Party Hall in Jackson Heights. This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshals M. M. Shaheen, Chairman of the Weekly Thikana, and M. Aziz, CEO of NY Homecare and former Chairman of the Trustee Board of the Bangladesh Society.

Organizers have invited all members of the Bangladeshi community to participate in the event. The parade is scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

Key figures present at the press conference included Parade Committee Chair Attorney Moeen Chowdhury, Convener Gias Ahmed, Member Secretary Fahad Solaiman, Co-Chair Captain Prince Alam, Event Coordinator Famed Rocky, and Faisal Aziz, Director of NY Homecare and Grand Sponsor of the event. Speakers emphasized that the parade aims to strengthen unity and patriotism among the Bangladeshi diaspora, while also introducing the history and culture of Bangladesh to younger generations.

Organizations can register to participate in the parade free of charge this year. The event is jointly organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, Humanity Empowerment Rights, and Immigrants International. Organizers stated that extensive preparations are already underway, and a convening committee has been formed to ensure the success of the event. They expressed optimism that this year’s celebration will be even more colorful and engaging than previous editions.

A tragic incident in Fort Myers, United States, has claimed the life of a Bangladeshi expatriate woman, Yasmin, who was fatally attacked at her workplace. The attack occurred on Thursday (April 2) at approximately 7:14 a.m. at a gas station and convenience store on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Yasmin was pronounced dead at 7:27 a.m., just 13 minutes after the assault.

According to reports, the incident stemmed from an altercation the previous night. A Haitian immigrant had attempted to withdraw money from an ATM at the store but was unsuccessful. He then demanded money from Yasmin. She calmly explained that the ATM was controlled by a vendor and suggested contacting customer service, as the issue might have been caused by an incorrect PIN. Although the situation appeared to de-escalate, the suspect reportedly remained agitated.

Surveillance footage from the following morning shows the suspect first vandalizing Yasmin’s vehicle. When she stepped outside, he suddenly attacked her with a hammer, striking her repeatedly. She collapsed at the scene. The attacker, described as wearing a yellow T-shirt, black shorts, and a backpack, fled immediately afterward.

Yasmin was originally from Chandraganj in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh. Family members said she had moved to the United States with her two teenage daughters in pursuit of a better future. Her death has left the family and the local Bangladeshi community in deep mourning.

After the attack, authorities warned that the suspect was armed and dangerous, urging residents not to approach him or open their doors. Several nearby schools were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Following an extensive search, police arrested the suspect about a mile from the crime scene near Dunbar Park. The suspect, identified as Rolbart Joaquin (40), has been charged with murder and criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Lee County Jail without bond.

This incident highlights the reality that sudden acts of violence can occur even in developed countries like the United States. Community members are urged to remain vigilant, avoid escalating confrontations, and prioritize personal safety in uncertain situations.

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called for intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“Both sides emphasised the need for a rapid cessation of hostilities and the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term settlement of the conflict,” the Kremlin said in a read-out of the call. The call comes after Ukraine signed an air defence deal with Saudi Arabia as the Gulf nation grapples with Iranian drone attacks.

ROME – Italy’s foreign minister said Thursday he had called for a “humanitarian corridor” for fertiliser and other essentials through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid a food disaster in Africa. Antonio Tajani, who participated by video in a meeting on Iran coordinated by Britain, said in a statement that “ensuring the transport of fertilisers and other humanitarian goods through the Strait of Hormuz is vital.

“Tajani, together with colleagues such as the Dutch Minister and the Deputy Minister of the United Arab Emirates, advocated for the need to work with the UN to establish a ‘humanitarian corridor’ as soon as possible, primarily for fertilisers and all other goods necessary to prevent a new food crisis, particularly in African nations,” the statement said.

DHAKA – Bangladesh is poised to unlock the long-delayed third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) as fresh negotiations with a Japanese consortium enter a decisive phase following submission of a revised, lower-cost proposal.

A high-level senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) told BSS today that the consortium has addressed Dhaka’s concerns by recalibrating its financial offer, particularly on service charges, operational control and revenue-sharing issues that had stalled earlier discussions.

The latest progress follows series of segment-wise technical meetings held at CAAB headquarters on Monday and Tuesday, where both sides reviewed pricing and operational components in detail, signalling a shift from policy-level dialogue to final-stage negotiations.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq today briefed the outcomes of the technical meetings to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita and state minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the secretariat today.

The CAAB official said that the second high-level meeting is scheduled for April 3 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expected to determine the fate of the deal.

The Bangladesh side will likely be represented by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, among others, official sources said.

The CAAB official indicated that the meeting could be decisive, with expectations that a final agreement may be reached shortly after. “A final agreement is expected to be reached next week following the April 3rd meeting,” he added.

The third terminal over 99 percent complete has remained non-operational for years due to unresolved management and operational arrangements. Industry insiders have widely criticised the delay, attributing it to policy indecision and rigid positions under the previous interim administration, which left a major national asset idle. Momentum shifted after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to resume negotiations immediately after the new government assumed office, prioritising a practical, outcome-driven solution.

That directive led to the March 13 breakthrough meeting chaired by foreign minister with attendance of Civil Aviation and Tourism minister and state minister, where Bangladesh formally requested a revised proposal from the Japanese side.

The Japanese consortium comprising – Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation – has since submitted a revised offer with reduced pricing, significantly narrowing differences.

Officials said the new proposal reflected greater flexibility and created a pathway towards a “win–win” agreement. The terminal project itself was largely financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and constructed at an estimated cost of Taka 21,398 crore. Spanning around 542,000 square metres, it is designed to handle an additional 12 to 16 million passengers annually along with nearly 900,000 tonnes of cargo.

The delay in operationalising the terminal has had tangible consequences. Airlines continue to face congestion, slot constraints and operational inefficiencies at existing facilities, while passengers endure overcrowded terminals and reduced service quality.

With revised pricing now on the table and high-level political engagement intensifying, officials said the process has entered its final stretch. Former CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman said activating the third terminal is critical not only for easing pressure at Dhaka airport but also for positioning Bangladesh as a regional aviation and logistics hub in South and Southeast Asia.

If the April 3 meeting delivers consensus, Bangladesh could finally bring one of its most significant aviation infrastructure projects into operation marking the end of years of delay and the beginning of a new phase in the country’s aviation expansion, he added.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today told the Jaitya Sangsad (JS) that the government will take all sorts of steps to bring the laundered money back to country. “The siphoned funds are the money of the people. As we are the elected government by the people, we have responsibility towards the country and its people. So, it’s major responsibility of this government to bring the laundered money back and spend this for the welfare of the country and its people,” he said.

The premier said this while replying to a supplementary question from treasury bench lawmaker from Cumilla-9 constituency Md Abul Kalam in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Responding to another supplementary question from opposition lawmaker from Rajshahi-1 constituency Md Mujibur Rahman on preparing the list of the money launderers, the Prime Minister said the respective department is preparing the list of the accused people.

Criticizing the arbitrariness of the previous government, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said, “The current government is an elected government. In the past, we saw that different people of the previous government acted according to their will ignoring morality and values”.

“The current government is respectful to the laws and legal structures of the country. We want to follow the law and try the accused according to the law so that no one is deprive from the justice,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the law will follow its own course and the government will take measures according to the existing laws. “The punishment of the money launderers and the fraudsters will be determined as per the law,” the premier noted.

Desk Report: The funeral for Nishat Jannat, 19, a Bangladeshi teenager who was killed in a truck accident in Woodside, New York, was held on Tuesday, March 31, after Zuhr prayers at Baitul Jannah Mosque. Community leaders and local residents attended the ceremony.

Nishat Jannat was killed while crossing the road in the Woodside area of Queens when she was struck by a garbage truck. The incident occurred late Sunday night near Roosevelt Avenue and 62nd Street. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

She was a student at the City College of New York and also worked as a receptionist at a parking garage. Her father, Helal Uddin, serves as the imam of Baitul Jannah Mosque. Following the funeral prayers, she was laid to rest in New York. Nishat was originally from Uttar Ghorgao village in Golapganj upazila, Sylhet, Bangladesh, and had moved to the United States with her family around eight years ago.

The truck driver involved in the accident remained at the scene and sustained minor injuries. Police said no arrests have been made, and the incident is under investigation. The tragic death has left the local Bangladeshi community in deep grief.