VIRGINIA: The Bangladesh-American IT People’s Organization (BAITPO) hosted an appreciation party in Woodbridge, Virginia, to recognize the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and committee members behind its successful effort to showcase the traditional Chattogram Mezbaan tradition among Bangladeshi Americans in the United States. The event was attended by BAITPO leaders and members, members of the Mezbaan committee, sponsors and well-wishers. Engineer Abubakar Hanif, Chancellor of Washington University, attended the program as the chief guest.

In his remarks, Hanif thanked the BAITPO team for successfully organizing the Mezbaan event and assured the organization of his continued support for arranging larger and more successful programs in the future. Dr. Faizul Islam said one of the largest Mezbaan gatherings in recent memory was held in the DMV area on August 23. Legendary Bangladeshi singer Nakib Khan performed at the event.

He highlighted various aspects and achievements of the Mezbaan program, noting that organizing a large-scale event often involves numerous challenges and limitations. He said recognizing the efforts and contributions of those who overcome such challenges can encourage organizers to deliver even better events in the future. BAITPO President Shamsuddin Mahmud expressed sincere gratitude to all donors, sponsors, well-wishers, Mezbaan committee members, BAITPO leaders and members, and guests who contributed to the success of the event.

Mahmud acknowledged that the large turnout, which exceeded expectations, along with the attendance of a significant number of guests who had not registered in advance, created some challenges in food management. He expressed regret that some guests were unable to receive food after the scheduled serving period had ended.

He also outlined several plans to make the next Mezbaan more organized and efficient. According to Mahmud, registration will be mandatory for future events. Those who registered for this year’s Mezbaan will also receive an opportunity for free registration for next year’s event.

To speed up and streamline food distribution, BAITPO plans to introduce four separate serving lines and increase its food transportation capacity threefold. Subject to venue availability, Mahmud also announced plans to organize Mezbaan 2027 next August. During the appreciation event, the BAITPO president also presented the income and expenditure details of the Mezbaan program before the attendees.

Calling on everyone to participate in the next Mezbaan, Mahmud said preparations would be made in advance to ensure that no guest has to leave without receiving food. BAITPO Vice President Saifullah Khaled, Event Coordinator Sam Ria and other members of the organization also spoke at the event.

The appreciation party also featured traditional Chattogram-style Mezbaani cuisine, along with discussions and memories from the successful event. Hasan and Sam Ria were responsible for preparing beef and other dishes in the traditional Mezbaan style, while Mohammad Qureshi oversaw the barbecue preparation. The gathering concluded with food, conversation and reminiscences among BAITPO members, sponsors, supporters and others involved in organizing the Mezbaan event.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — A friendly community gathering hosted by prominent businessman Shahru Chowdhury was held Tuesday evening in Atlantic City, bringing together Bangladeshi Americans and members of the local community for an evening of conversation, cultural exchange and entertainment. The gathering was held on September 22 at 3407 Ventnor Avenue in Atlantic City.

The evening featured informal conversations, discussions, musical performances and a barbecue. Singers Asif Anwar and Zaman Ruku performed for the guests, adding a musical touch to the community gathering. Chowdhury warmly welcomed the guests and thanked them for joining the event.

The gathering was attended by a city council member, Bangladeshi community members living in Atlantic City and surrounding communities, as well as other prominent members of the local community. The event provided an opportunity for members of the Bangladeshi diaspora and local residents to connect, exchange views and spend time together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening defense cooperation in the Arctic, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined Trump for the signing ceremony. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present as the agreement was signed.

The agreement amends and supplements the existing 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense agreement concerning Greenland. It reaffirms the parties’ defense cooperation and provides for expanded U.S. military access and activities in Greenland.

Under the agreement, the United States will be allowed to modernize and expand activities at Pituffik Space Base and establish additional defense areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, subject to arrangements between the parties. The agreement also provides a framework for establishing additional defense areas in Greenland through consultations and mutual agreement.

The agreement gives U.S. forces specified rights of access and movement in Greenland, including access by land, air and sea between defense areas. It also establishes provisions concerning U.S. aircraft and public vessels operating in Greenland and its territorial waters.

The three parties also agreed to strengthen cooperation on Arctic security, including through greater NATO engagement, planning, military presence, exercises and intelligence gathering.

The agreement includes provisions restricting non-NATO states from establishing military installations or maintaining a persistent military presence in Greenland unless otherwise agreed by the parties. It also contains restrictions related to certain foreign investments and activities considered potential threats to national security or public order.

The document reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and recognizes the right of the people of Greenland to self-determination under international law. It also states that the agreement has no end date and can be amended only by mutual consent under the existing defense framework.

The White House described the agreement as a major step in strengthening U.S. security interests in the Arctic. The signing took place as world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The agreement was signed in New York on September 22, 2026, in English, Danish and Greenlandic. It will enter into force after the required parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland are completed and the United States receives the necessary diplomatic notification.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday reconvened members of her Fostering the Future Together initiative in New York during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, announcing new technology partnerships, international events and an expansion of the coalition to 57 participating countries.

The gathering brought together representatives from countries including the United Kingdom, South Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Panama and Canada, according to the White House.

“Together, we are a beautiful range of cultures, languages, histories, and traditions,” Trump said. “And yet, we stand unified around one everlasting truth: the future of our world will be determined by what we do for our children today.”

Fostering the Future Together is described by the White House as a global coalition focused on empowering children through technology and education. Trump said the initiative is intended to provide young people with opportunities to learn, create and develop skills for the future.

New International Events Announced

Trump announced several Fostering the Future Together events planned for 2026.

They include a G20 event in Miami, which Trump plans to host, an ASEAN conference in Manila hosted by Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, a European regional meeting hosted by Polish First Lady Marta Nawrocka, and a Caribbean regional meeting hosted by Saint Kitts and Nevis First Lady Diani Prince-Drew. “These leaders have stepped forward to activate their regions,” Trump said, adding that the initiative would provide support for their efforts.

Technology Partnerships

The First Lady also announced new private-sector partnerships involving Adobe, Amazon, Intel, Starlink, Google and Zoom. The companies are being brought into the initiative as part of its focus on expanding children’s access to technology and education. Tim Cook, executive chairman of Apple, and Enrique Lores, CEO of HP, also attended the gathering, according to the White House.

Trump emphasized that access to technology alone does not constitute empowerment and called for young people to be taught how to use technological tools responsibly and effectively.

“We must give our children the tools—and teach them how to use those tools wisely,” she said.

Focus on Technology and Education

In her remarks, Trump highlighted the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other technologies, describing the current period as a major technological transformation. She cited technologies including artificial intelligence, video communications, mobile computing, autonomous vehicles, virtual environments and biometric identification as examples of technologies that have moved from the realm of science fiction into everyday life.

She also called on participating countries and technology companies to help young people develop the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

“Our Fostering the Future Together coalition must strive to empower the youth of our nations to bend the boundaries of imagination, explore new frontiers of intellect, have the courage to take calculated risks, and build toward advancement of society,” Trump said.

Coalition Expands to 57 Countries

The White House said the initiative now includes 57 participating nations. Trump said the coalition’s long-term purpose is to create opportunities for children regardless of where they are born. Fostering the Future Together was announced during the 80th UN General Assembly in 2025. According to the White House, Trump subsequently convened the initiative’s inaugural Global Coalition Summit in Washington in spring 2026, bringing together first spouses and technology-sector leaders.

The latest gathering took place during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York. The United Nations says the general debate of the 81st session is being held from September 22 to 26 and again on September 28.

Trump said the initiative’s success should ultimately be measured by its impact on future generations rather than by the meetings and speeches themselves. “Years from now, our children may not remember the meetings we held or the speeches we gave. But they will live with the consequences of what we do here,” she said.

ATLANTA, GA — Bengali music lovers gathered in Atlanta on Friday evening, September 18, for a special solo musical program featuring acclaimed singer Chandrashekhar Dutta, known for his performances of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and modern Bengali songs.

The musical evening was organized by Tirtha O Parampara, a local cultural organization, under the overall supervision of Sanjukta Roy and Nil Majumdar, with support from local artists, writers, poets and distinguished members of the Bengali community.

Held at a local Desi Street restaurant, the event brought together members of Atlanta’s Bengali community for an evening of music and cultural celebration. Dutta performed a selection of Bengali songs, captivating the audience with his voice and expressive performances.

The program created a warm and nostalgic atmosphere for attendees, with the organizers describing the evening as a reflection of Bangladesh’s rich musical and cultural heritage. The venue took on the feel of a “mini Bangladesh” as familiar Bengali melodies filled the room.

The audience responded enthusiastically to Dutta’s performances, with his successive renditions drawing appreciative reactions from listeners throughout the evening. Providing instrumental accompaniment were Amitava Sen, Surajit Bandyopadhyay, Subhadra Gupta, Ankan Basu and Golam Mahiuddin.

The event concluded with remarks from organizers Sanjukta Roy and Nil Majumdar, who thanked the invited guests, artists and audience members for their participation and support. They also expressed hope for continued community cooperation in organizing cultural programs in the future. The evening served as another gathering point for Atlanta’s Bengali community, bringing together music, culture and a shared connection to Bengali heritage.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the international community to extend stronger support for the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar and help find a sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis.

The prime minister made the appeal on Tuesday when Julie Bishop, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar, paid a courtesy call on him in New York, where he is attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of continued international cooperation to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas and resolve the crisis, according to PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

The two sides also discussed the role of the international community in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including efforts to create conditions conducive to their eventual return to Myanmar.

The meeting comes ahead of a high-level Rohingya crisis side event scheduled for Wednesday at UN Headquarters, co-hosted by Bangladesh and The Gambia. The event will focus on finding a durable solution to the protracted displacement, along with justice and accountability.

Bangladesh has consistently called for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, where the crisis originated. The country is currently hosting about 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, placing significant humanitarian, economic and environmental pressure on Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.

Shibbir Ahmed — Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, attended U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” gathering Tuesday at The St. Regis New York, joining an international group focused on children’s education, technology, digital skills and online safety. Dr. Zubaida Rahman attended the Manhattan event at the invitation of Melania Trump, highlighting Bangladesh’s continuing engagement with the international initiative as the United States hosts a new gathering of participating First Spouses and leaders during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The event brought together international participants and private-sector partners to discuss ways to expand opportunities for children through education, technology and responsible digital innovation. Melania Trump has made children’s education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence and online safety central themes of the Fostering the Future Together initiative.

For Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida’s participation marks a continuation of her involvement in the initiative. She previously took part in the inaugural Fostering the Future Together: Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C., in March 2026, also at Melania Trump’s invitation. The two-day summit brought together First Ladies and spouses of leaders from more than 45 countries.

During the March summit, Dr. Zubaida addressed issues surrounding children’s welfare, education, healthcare and the responsible use of technology. She highlighted Bangladesh’s initiatives related to family support, education and healthcare and emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence and digital learning to help reduce educational disparities.

She also met Melania Trump during the Washington summit. According to reports from the March event, the two discussed cooperation on initiatives aimed at improving children’s welfare.

Dr. Zubaida’s presence in New York comes as she accompanies Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to the United States for the 81st UN General Assembly. The prime minister and his wife arrived in New York on September 22, with Zubaida traveling as part of his delegation.

The New York gathering also reflects the expansion of Melania Trump’s initiative beyond its inaugural Washington summit. The coalition has increasingly focused on partnerships involving education technology, artificial intelligence, digital skills and online protection, with governments, First Spouses and private-sector organizations participating in the effort.

For Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s participation in both the March Washington summit and Tuesday’s New York gathering places the country within an international dialogue centered on the future, education and well-being of children.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — U.S. First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday brought together representatives of 57 nations and technology-sector leaders at The St. Regis New York to expand her Fostering the Future Together initiative, unveiling new private-sector partnerships and plans for a series of international events focused on children’s education, technology and online safety.

The gathering took place during the 81st United Nations General Assembly and marked the latest expansion of a coalition that seeks to use technology and education to help children learn, grow and prepare for the digital future. The Office of the First Lady said the event would welcome new member nations, announce strategic partnerships with technology companies and present the initiative’s 2026 international events calendar.

Melania Trump: “Choose our children first”

In her remarks, Melania Trump emphasized the importance of giving children access to education and technology while ensuring that technological development serves their long-term interests.

“True empowerment begins by giving a child the confidence to believe that their mind has value,” Trump said. “It means giving children the freedom to imagine a world beyond the one they know today.”

She said the coalition’s work is focused on using technology to create educational opportunities for young people and to equip them for a rapidly changing world. The First Lady also highlighted the new partnerships with major technology companies and the investments being made to expand access to educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Fostering the Future Together is organized around four principal areas: AI in Education, EdTech Tools, Online Protection and Digital Skills. The White House says participating First Spouses and equivalent leaders work with their governments to identify technologies that can support children, educators and parents while protecting young people from online dangers.

Trump also announced plans for a series of Fostering the Future Together conferences around the world. She said the initiative’s first G20 event will be held in Miami in December. Concluding her remarks, Trump urged the participating leaders to turn their discussions into practical action.

“Let history say at the moment of extraordinary possibility, leaders from around the world came together to foster the future together and chose our children first,” she said.

Michael Waltz and Charity Wallace among speakers

The event’s listed speakers were Melania Trump, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, and U.S. Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charity Wallace. Waltz praised Trump’s work on the initiative, saying she was focused on turning the coalition’s goals into concrete action rather than advocacy alone. Wallace has also played a central role in coordinating the U.S. government’s work with the initiative. On Monday, she hosted a State Department announcement unveiling seven new technology-sector partnerships connected to Fostering the Future Together.

Seven new technology partnerships

The State Department announced Monday that Adobe, Amazon, Google, Intel, N50, Starlink and Zoom had established new partnerships through Fostering the Future Together. The partnerships involve more than 15 countries and are intended to expand educational and technological access and opportunities for children and young people.

The new commitments include $4 million from Google to expand its Google AI Educator Series and $2.75 million in new Zoom grants connected to its AI for Good initiative. Other commitments involve AI education, digital literacy, coding, internet connectivity and technology training. The initiative’s four pillars—AI in education, EdTech tools, online protection and digital skills—form the framework for the new partnerships.

First Spouses from around the world

The New York gathering brought together representatives of the coalition’s 57 member nations. The State Department said the coalition includes First Spouses from countries including France, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Israel, Morocco, Kenya, Türkiye and the Republic of Korea.

Among the international participants specifically identified in reporting on the New York gathering was Mirabela Grădinaru, partner of Romanian President Nicușor Dan. Romanian media reported that she attended Melania Trump’s event and met Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya. The gathering included First Ladies and First Gentlemen from several countries, government officials and technology-company representatives.

The 57-nation figure refers to the coalition’s participating First Spouses or equivalent leaders; it should not be interpreted as a publicly verified name-by-name attendance list for every individual at the St. Regis event.

From 45 nations to 57

Fostering the Future Together has expanded considerably since its inaugural global coalition summit in Washington in March. The White House says Melania Trump brought together First Spouses from 45 countries for the March 24–25 summit, where participants discussed four areas: EdTech tools, AI in education, online safety and digital literacy.

The coalition was originally launched by Melania Trump during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2025. Its stated mission is to help children flourish in the digital era by combining education, innovation and responsible technology use while protecting children online.

Bangladesh’s Connection to the Initiative

Bangladesh was represented at Tuesday’s gathering in Manhattan, New York, with Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, attending the Fostering the Future Together event at the invitation of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s participation highlights Bangladesh’s engagement with the international initiative, which brings together First Spouses and leaders from participating countries to advance children’s education, technology, digital skills and online safety.

Zubaida previously participated in the inaugural Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C., in March 2026, where she addressed issues including children’s education, healthcare, artificial intelligence and the safe use of technology. She attended that summit at Melania Trump’s invitation. Her participation in Tuesday’s New York gathering further highlights Bangladesh’s involvement in the coalition’s international efforts focused on the future and well-being of children.

A broader international technology effort

The New York meeting reflects the coalition’s increasingly public-private approach, bringing governments and technology companies together around children’s education and digital development. The White House says First Spouses and equivalent leaders work with their national governments to assess available technologies and explore ways to implement them in education, train teachers and parents, and develop new learning environments.

The initiative now has 57 member nations and a growing network of private-sector partners. With additional international conferences planned and a G20 event scheduled for Miami in December, Melania Trump’s coalition is moving beyond its initial summit toward a broader program of international cooperation on children’s education, technology and online protection.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldives Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

The meetings were held at the UN Headquarters as Tarique Rahman attended the high-level General Debate of the 81st UNGA, according to the Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque.During  his meeting with the Bhutanese prime minister and the Maldives vice president, Tarique Rahman discussed ways to further strengthen Bangladesh’s existing friendly and cordial relations with the two countries.

The discussions covered issues of mutual interest as well as opportunities to enhance regional and international cooperation. The leaders also exchanged views on identifying new areas of collaboration to expand bilateral ties and promote the mutual interests and welfare of their respective peoples.

The meetings were part of the prime minister’s diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where leaders from around the world are gathering to discuss major global and regional issues.

PM holds meeting with Haiti PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today held a meeting with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting held this afternoon (New York time), the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Haiti, issues of mutual interest and various aspects of regional and international cooperation, PM’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque said.

They also exchanged views on ways to further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries and explored opportunities to expand bilateral relations in various areas. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s UN engagements began today with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses.

He later attended the opening session and the high-level General Debate of the General Assembly. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral and high-level meetings with heads of state and government and leaders of international organisations. He is scheduled to address the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga discussed Bangladesh’s development priorities and economic progress during a meeting at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to the Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on strengthening the World Bank’s cooperation with Bangladesh in its development activities. They also explored potential new areas of partnership that could support Bangladesh’s development priorities and economic progress in the coming years.

The meeting was part of Tarique Rahman’s bilateral engagements during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to participate in discussions on major international and development issues.