DHAKA — The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has extended the deadline for submitting applications for fresh gazette enlistment as Bir Muktijoddha (Valiant Freedom Fighter) to October 7, 2026. According to a gazette notification issued Thursday, eligible individuals can submit their applications for enlistment within the extended deadline. The ministry said no new applications will be accepted after October 7.

A memorandum issued by the ministry’s Gazette Branch requested its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Branch to take necessary steps to publish the public notice on the ministry’s website. The memorandum was signed by Under Secretary Haridas Thakur.

The ministry said applications for enlistment as Bir Muktijoddha had previously been received at various times, followed by verification processes. Under the prescribed procedure, applications are considered for gazette enlistment after verification of an applicant’s role during the Liberation War, along with relevant documents and other supporting information.

The ministry said there are provisions for verifying applications through the National Freedom Fighters Council and the relevant administrative authorities. The extension provides applicants additional time to submit their applications before the process closes for new submissions.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has called on the United States to take further steps to address the long-term health, environmental and human rights consequences of its nuclear weapons testing program in the Marshall Islands. A report presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday said Washington should provide additional healthcare support to people affected by the tests and release classified records related to the nuclear testing program. The report said the consequences of the tests continue to affect Marshallese communities decades after the testing ended.

The United States conducted 67 nuclear weapons tests in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. One of the most powerful tests, known as Castle Bravo, was carried out at Bikini Atoll in 1954.

According to the UN human rights office, the human cost of the testing program has been severe and long-lasting. The report pointed to continuing health problems, displacement from contaminated areas and social stigma faced by people exposed to radiation.

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Awa Dabo told the Human Rights Council that the consequences of the nuclear testing program remain a continuing issue for the Marshallese people.

The UN report called for effective remedies, including healthcare and access to information concerning the nuclear legacy. Marshall Islands representatives have also urged the international community to help address unresolved claims and the continuing effects of nuclear contamination.

The Marshall Islands has repeatedly raised concerns over the long-term consequences of the U.S. testing program, including damage to communities, traditional lands and public health. A previous UN human rights report also documented barriers to the full realization of the rights of people affected by the nuclear legacy.

Washington, however, has previously maintained that it has fulfilled its responsibilities under agreements with the Marshall Islands. The U.S. government has said the 1986 Compact of Free Association and related agreements constituted a full settlement of claims arising from the nuclear testing program. It has also said that more than $600 million has been provided to affected communities and that various health, environmental and other assistance programs remain in place.

The latest UN call comes as the Marshall Islands continues to seek greater international attention to the health, environmental and human rights consequences of the nuclear tests. The dispute over how much remains to be done reflects a longstanding difference between Washington’s position that its obligations have been addressed and calls from Marshallese representatives and UN human rights officials for additional measures.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation to leave New York earlier than scheduled, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter, adding a new dimension to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian left New York last week after delivering his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Araghchi, however, remained in the city as efforts continued toward indirect discussions with the United States on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the ongoing conflict and restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

According to U.S. officials, weekend meetings involving Iranian and Qatari mediators produced little progress. Rubio subsequently instructed the Iranian delegation on Monday to leave New York immediately. One U.S. official said the delegation had remained in the country after the high-level UN meetings had ended and was no longer expected to stay. Araghchi and members of his delegation left New York early Tuesday and were expected to travel back to Iran via Doha, Qatar.

Iran, however, rejected the U.S. account. Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations said the delegation had not been ordered to leave or expelled from the United States. The mission said its departure schedule had been arranged in advance and had been communicated to the U.S. State Department on September 17.

The Iranian mission also accused Washington of spreading what it described as “baseless” reports following the lack of progress in the negotiations. The conflicting accounts have highlighted the differences between Washington and Tehran over the circumstances surrounding the delegation’s departure.

Indirect discussions between the United States and Iran have continued with Qatar playing a mediating role. Key issues remain unresolved, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, frozen Iranian assets, the ongoing conflict and Iran’s nuclear program.

The departure of the Iranian delegation comes as diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran continue, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement aimed at resolving the broader conflict and their longstanding disputes.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC —  The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a broad set of actions Thursday targeting the A7 Network, a shadow banking network that Treasury says has ties to Russia and has been used by Iran and other illicit actors to evade sanctions and move funds through the international financial system. The measures were announced as part of Operation Economic Outcast and involve both the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

FinCEN issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would prohibit certain financial transactions involving the A7 Network’s Sub-Agents. The agency also released an alert outlining indicators that financial institutions can use to identify and report potentially suspicious activity associated with the network. Separately, OFAC designated the A7 Network as a significant transnational criminal organization.

Treasury Targets A7 Network’s Financial Structure

According to Treasury, the A7 Network was created and backed by individuals already subject to U.S. sanctions. The department said the network established a global network of companies, referred to as Sub-Agents, to disguise payments connected to sanctioned sectors and individuals as routine commercial transactions. Treasury said the network has been used by Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as other illicit financial actors.

The latest measures build on Treasury’s August 14, 2025, designation of several A7-related entities, including A7 LLC and Old Vector LLC. Treasury officials said the broader action is intended to disrupt the network’s ability to provide financial services that facilitate sanctions evasion.

Billions in Transactions Identified

FinCEN said its investigation found that A7 Network Sub-Agents processed more than $17 billion between January 2025 and June 2026. Treasury said the network allegedly used third-country companies, falsified trade documentation, manipulated import-export records and misleading descriptions of goods to make sanctioned or illicit payments appear to be legitimate commercial transactions.

According to Treasury, the A7 Network claimed that by January 2026 it was processing more than 2,000 transactions a day, with total transaction volume exceeding 7.5 trillion Russian rubles. Treasury estimated the value at approximately $91.5 billion, equivalent to about 13% of Russia’s 2025 foreign trade transactions.

Alleged Links to Iranian Oil and Weapons Procurement

Treasury also said A7 Network Sub-Agents were used in transactions connected to Iranian oil sales and weapons procurement. One Sub-Agent, according to the department, transacted directly with entities associated with Iran’s so-called shadow fleet—a network of tankers, shipping companies and front companies used to transport and sell Iranian oil in violation of sanctions.

Treasury said the Sub-Agent and a related company received nearly $140 million from entities involved in Iranian sanctions-evasion activity. In a separate case cited by Treasury, another A7 Sub-Agent transferred approximately $1.6 million to a company linked to Iranian sanctions evasion and weapons procurement.

FinCEN Issues Alert to Financial Institutions

FinCEN’s new alert provides financial institutions with indicators designed to help identify potentially suspicious transactions associated with the A7 Network. The agency said the network uses foreign companies to gain access to international payment systems and facilitate the movement of funds. The proposed FinCEN rule was issued under Section 9714(a) of the Combating Russian Money Laundering Act. The public will have 30 days to submit comments after the notice is published in the Federal Register.

OFAC Designates A7 as Significant Transnational Criminal Organization

OFAC’s designation places the A7 Network under U.S. sanctions as a significant transnational criminal organization. Treasury identified Ilan Mironovich Shor, whom it described as a sanctioned and convicted fraudster, as the leader of the network. The department said the network operates through a group of Sub-Agent companies that allegedly disguise illicit transactions as legitimate trade.

Treasury also alleged that the network has provided financial support to Iran’s IRGC and Iranian proxy groups, including Hamas. The department said the A7 Network has also been linked to Nobitex, an Iranian digital-asset exchange designated by OFAC in June 2026, and has facilitated transactions associated with North Korean cryptocurrency exchange hacks and other illicit activities.

A7A5 Token Included in Sanctions Action

Treasury said the A7A5 token, a ruble-backed digital token issued by Old Vector LLC, is part of the A7 Network and is subject to U.S. blocking sanctions. According to OFAC, the token was created to facilitate international transactions while helping network participants evade sanctions and generate revenue for sanctioned infrastructure providers.

Potential Consequences for U.S. and Foreign Persons

Following OFAC’s action, property and interests in property belonging to the A7 Network that are located in the United States or controlled by U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions involving blocked property unless specifically authorized by OFAC or otherwise exempt.

Treasury warned that violations of U.S. sanctions can result in civil or criminal penalties. OFAC can also impose civil penalties on a strict-liability basis. The department further warned that non-U.S. persons may face sanctions exposure if they cause U.S. persons to violate sanctions or engage in activities designed to evade U.S. sanctions. The latest measures represent an expanded U.S. effort to disrupt financial networks that authorities say facilitate sanctions evasion and illicit finance involving Iran, Russia and other actors.

Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City, New Jersey : Community leaders in Atlantic City and South Jersey have called for unity within the Bangladeshi-American community amid growing concerns, frustration, and division surrounding the newly inaugurated permanent Shaheed Minar in Atlantic City.

Leaders of various political, social, cultural, regional, and community organizations, along with representatives of civil society, held a press conference Wednesday night, September 30, at the Bengal Club auditorium in Atlantic City. Helal Hasan presented a written statement on behalf of the organizers. At the outset, the organizers emphasized that the press conference was not intended to personally attack any individual or organization. They said their primary objectives were to present historical facts, uphold the dignity and significance of the Shaheed Minar, and advocate for unity and the collective rights of the Bangladeshi community.

The press conference featured remarks from writer and journalist Ibrahim Chowdhury, Helal Hasan, Ali Chowdhury, Mohammad Didar, Sheikh Amin, Saeed Doha, Paplu Chowdhury, Faruk Hossain, Enamul Haque, Sabur Mia, Akbar Hossain, Mohammad Shaheen, Subrata Chowdhury, Zakir Hossain, Monirul Alam Babu, Aulad Hossain, Faruk Talukdar, and others.

Speakers said the Shaheed Minar, a symbol of the Bengali Language Movement and the sacrifices of the martyrs, should serve as a unifying symbol for the Bangladeshi community. They expressed concern that if further division develops around a monument intended to represent unity, the physical presence of a permanent Shaheed Minar alone will not be enough to uphold the spirit and values of Ekushey February.

The speakers strongly condemned what they described as efforts to create division within the community surrounding the inauguration of the permanent Shaheed Minar. They called on community members to put differences aside and work together to preserve the monument’s dignity and historical significance. The community leaders also called on everyone to stand together at the same Shaheed Minar on February 21, when Bangladeshis and Bengali communities around the world observe International Mother Language Day and commemorate the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

They stressed that future generations deserve more than a permanent monument. According to the speakers, the community should also leave behind an accurate history, respect for the sacrifices of the language martyrs, and a united Bangladeshi-American community. The speakers said the permanent Shaheed Minar in Atlantic City can become a meaningful symbol of Bengali heritage and history if the community works collectively to preserve its dignity and promote unity.

DHAKA- Reserved women’s seat-23 of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad has been declared vacant following the resignation of law maker Ferdousi Ahmed. Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram told reporters this afternoon that the lawmaker from reserved women’s seat-23 came to his office and submitted her resignation in writing.

“According to the provisions of the Constitution, the seat became vacant immediately after her resignation,” he said. The Speaker added, “We have sent it for publication in the gazette. Immediately after receiving the gazette, we will inform the Election Commission, and the resignation will take effect from today.”

Meanwhile, a notification signed by Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan today said that the reserved Women’s seat-23 in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad had fallen vacant following the resignation of Ferdousi Ahmed. The notification said the seat fell vacant on the same date in accordance with Article 67(2) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

FLORIDA: The Florida State Awami League organized a discussion meeting and prayer gathering in Lake Worth, Florida, on Saturday to mark the 80th birthday of Sheikh Hasina, president of the Bangladesh Awami League. The event, held in the evening at Krazy Mario Restaurant, was attended by leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers of the Florida State Awami League.

The program began with a special prayer seeking Sheikh Hasina’s good health, long life and well-being. The event was chaired by Florida State Awami League President and freedom fighter Nannu Ahmed and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Mujib Uddin.

M. Fazlur Rahman, a freedom fighter and president of the U.S. Awami League’s Southern Chapter, was the keynote speaker. He discussed Sheikh Hasina’s political career, leadership and role in Bangladesh’s politics. In his remarks, Rahman said that people in Bangladesh are recognizing what he described as the need for Sheikh Hasina’s leadership under the current circumstances and want to see her serve again as prime minister. He also credited Sheikh Hasina’s government with progress in various sectors, including the economy, food, electricity, energy and gas.

Rahman expressed hope that Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh in December. He also called on party leaders and activists to maintain organizational unity and continue their activities. Other speakers included Florida State Awami League Vice Presidents Salma Rahman Minu, Imtiaz Hasan, Nafiz Ahmed, Sheikh Babul and M. Rahman Zahir; Bangabandhu Parishad President Engineer Ikramul Islam Bhuiyan; freedom fighter Bulbul Chowdhury; Organizing Secretary Sazzadur Rahman; Mozammel Hossain; Sirajul Islam; Mohammad Chhadurul; and Bangladesh Mahila Awami League Vice President Dolly Ahmed, Lina Haque and Rabeya Begum, among others.

Speakers discussed various aspects of Sheikh Hasina’s political career, leadership and role in Bangladesh’s politics at different times. They also prayed for her good health and long life. In closing remarks, Florida State Awami League President Nannu Ahmed and General Secretary Mujib Uddin thanked the leaders, guests, supporters and well-wishers who attended the program.

NEW YORK: The U.S. chapter of the Bangabandhu Foundation marked the 80th birthday of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at an event in New York on Monday. Members, supporters and leaders of the organization cut a birthday cake during the celebration and raised slogans including “Bangladesh is blessed because of Sheikh Hasina,” “Sheikh Hasina, don’t be afraid—we are with you,” and “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”

Participants at the event also expressed their intention to welcome Sheikh Hasina back to Dhaka by December, according to organizers. Among those attending were Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, central president of the Bangabandhu Foundation and former foreign minister of Bangladesh; Abdul Kader Mia, president of the foundation’s U.S. chapter; Senior Vice President Engineer Md. Fazlul Haque; Vice Presidents Md. Zafarullah, Afsar Mohammad and Abu Taher M. Rahman; General Secretary Kamal Hossain Mithu; and Joint General Secretaries Alim Khan Akash and Ariful Islam Arif.

The event was also attended by the foundation’s Communications Director and freedom fighter Lablu Ansar, along with leaders and community members including Nazrul Islam Babul, Mobasher Hossain, Abdul Jalil, M.A. Kadir, community leader Abul Hashem, Sirajul Maola, Abul Hasan Mahiuuddin, Mosharraf Hossain Abdul Hamid, Abul Kashem, Idris Alam, Yasin Arafat Bappi and Ahsan Ullah Saki, among others.

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.

DHAKA – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved an application seeking a court order to prevent former central general secretary of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League Siddique Nazmul Alam from leaving the country. Assistant Director of the ACC Public Relations Department Md Tanzir Ahmed disclosed the information at a regular media briefing at the commission’s headquarters today.

According to the ACC, an investigation is underway into allegations that Nazmul Alam illegally acquired money, attempted to legitimise the funds by transferring them to bank accounts operated in his own name and in the names of his associates, and allegedly laundered money abroad to acquire assets.

ACC Assistant Director Muhammad Zafar Sadek Shibly of the commission’s Money Laundering Wing is conducting the investigation. ACC documents said an application was submitted to the commission’s Director of Money Laundering on February 16 seeking to prevent Nazmul Alam from leaving the country. The commission subsequently approved the filing of the application before the court.