Mujib Rahman, Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on September 13, Kabir said the prime minister would remain in New York until September 26.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for the United States on September 21 to attend the UN General Assembly,” Kabir said. “During the visit, he will present Bangladesh’s new vision and priorities on the global stage.”

The state minister said the prime minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders during his stay in New York, alongside a number of important sideline meetings.

“Along with presenting Bangladesh’s vision to the international community, discussions will also focus on a range of issues concerning the country’s national interests,” Kabir said.

Asked whether Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would meet US President Donald Trump during his New York visit, Kabir said the prime minister’s primary purpose was to attend the UN General Assembly and deliver his address.

“There will be some meetings on the sidelines. Such meetings are often decided at the very last moment,” he said.

“Donald Trump has said that he wants to meet the prime minister. When he goes there, we will inform you about whom he meets or holds discussions with. There will be nothing secret about it, and you will be informed,” Kabir added. The state minister also said a special sideline meeting on resolving the Rohingya crisis is expected to be organized during the prime minister’s visit to the United States.

“The Rohingya issue will receive significant attention in the prime minister’s meetings with world leaders,” Kabir said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) held its 40th annual convention in Orlando over the Labor Day weekend, bringing together Bangladeshi-American community organizations, cultural performers, artists and guests from across North America. The three-day convention opened Friday with a gala dinner and opening ceremony. Media personality Shahidul Islam Shachu hosted the opening program, while Dr. Sultan S. Ahmed attended as chief guest.

The second day featured seminars, cultural programs and performances by member organizations and prominent Bangladeshi artists. The FOBANA theme song was performed by Dinat Jahan Munni and her group. The song’s lyrics and music were written and composed by Kabir Bokul. Artists who performed during Saturday’s main-stage program included Shamir Mahmud, Rafiq Ahmed Miton, Arzeen Kamal, Imran Mahmudul and Dilshaad Nahar Kona.

A key part of the convention was the Annual General Meeting, where delegates elected a new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term. Atiqur Rahman was elected chairman, while Niehal Rahim was elected executive secretary. Ziaul Haque Zia and Aminul Zinali Collins were elected executive vice presidents. Md. Shahab Uddin and Imran Jony Alam were elected joint secretaries, and Shahedul Islam Anjan was elected treasurer.

The AGM also approved the Bangladesh League of America, New York, as the host committee for the 2027 FOBANA convention. Several other recommendations from member organizations were also approved during the meeting. Organizers said 47 organizations registered for this year’s convention, with more than a dozen organizations from Florida participating in the Orlando gathering.

Sunday’s program began with additional seminars and activities involving member organizations. The main stage featured a tribute to the late Shotto Saha, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s music and cultural community.

As part of the tribute, his son Imon Saha, a seven-time National Film Award winner of Bangladesh, performed in his father’s honor. FOBANA also presented a posthumous recognition to Shotto Saha, which was accepted by his wife, National Film Award-winning actress and performer Romola Saha, on behalf of the family.

The recognition was presented by performers Ankhi Alamgir and Dinat Jahan Munni alongside FOBANA leaders. The final evening featured performances by Ankhi Alamgir, Dinat Jahan Munni, Shazu Khadem, Zayed Khan, Shirin Shila, Itisha Chowdhury and singer Sanjay, known for performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup. State and local officials also addressed attendees during the convention.

The 40th FOBANA Convention was hosted by Central Florida Bangladesh Shomiti. The Bangladesh Association of Florida, Central Florida Sports Club, World Fair and Feast USA Inc. and Bangladesh Society of Central Florida served as co-host organizations. The organizing team included Convenor Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Executive President Shams Ahmed and Event Coordinator AKM Hossain Hitu.

The event was planned and designed by Shahid Islam Shachu, S.A. Haque Oilk and Tanzira Rashid. The convention concluded with FOBANA acknowledging the newly elected committee and thanking participating organizations, performers, delegates and guests for their contributions to the three-day gathering.

Shibbir Ahmed, Ground Zero, New York — The United States on Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with memorial ceremonies in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, while the release of newly declassified CIA intelligence records renewed attention on what U.S. officials knew about al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden before the attacks. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when 19 al-Qaida hijackers seized four commercial passenger aircraft and carried out coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia. United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers attempted to regain control of the aircraft.

At Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, relatives of victims gathered for the annual memorial ceremony and read the names of those killed. The observance began with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Vice President JD Vance attended the New York ceremony alongside former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The gathering brought together current and former national leaders as families commemorated those who died a quarter-century ago.

The ceremony included additional moments of silence marking the attacks on the South Tower, the Pentagon and Flight 93. This year, organizers also included a seventh moment of silence for people who subsequently died from illnesses associated with exposure to toxic materials at the World Trade Center site.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum said the commemoration remains centered on the victims and their families, with the names of those killed read during the ceremony. The annual Tribute in Light is also scheduled to illuminate the New York skyline Friday evening.

Trump Attends Pentagon Ceremony

President Donald Trump marked the anniversary at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed after being hijacked. The attack killed 184 people at the Pentagon and aboard the aircraft. Trump attended the ceremony with First Lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Senior military and government officials also participated in the remembrance.

The Pentagon ceremony focused on the victims and the military personnel, civilian employees and others who lost their lives in the attack. Trump and Hegseth also linked the events of September 11 to current U.S. national-security policy and the country’s military role overseas. Arlington County and other communities in Virginia also held local commemorations honoring residents, first responders and others connected to the Pentagon attack.

Flight 93 Remembered in Pennsylvania

In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, families and visitors gathered at the Flight 93 National Memorial to commemorate the 40 passengers and crew members who died when the hijacked aircraft crashed into a field. The passengers had learned through telephone calls that other hijacked aircraft had struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and attempted to take control of Flight 93. The plane crashed before reaching its intended target. The Pennsylvania observance included the reading of the passengers’ and crew members’ names and a wreath-laying ceremony.

CIA releases 71 intelligence reports

The 25th anniversary also brought a significant new development in Washington. The Central Intelligence Agency released 71 intelligence reports related to the period before and immediately after the September 11 attacks. The collection includes 70 reports prepared before the attacks and one report dated September 12, 2001. The documents were prepared for the President’s Daily Brief and were provided to Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and senior administration officials.

The documents show that U.S. intelligence agencies had been tracking bin Laden and al-Qaida for years before the attacks. A February 1998 report warned about bin Laden’s interest in obtaining chemical, biological and nuclear materials. Other reports discussed his growing network, his activities in Afghanistan and the Taliban’s reluctance to surrender him.

A September 1998 intelligence report described a possible al-Qaida plan involving an explosive-laden aircraft and identified Washington as a preferred target. Later reports discussed possible hijackings and surveillance of locations in the United States.

An August 2001 President’s Daily Brief, already publicly known as “Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US,” warned of suspicious activity in the United States consistent with preparations for hijackings or other attacks. The newly released collection provides additional surrounding intelligence records from that period.

The documents remain partly redacted, and officials said the release does not fundamentally overturn the established historical account of the attacks. Instead, the records provide additional detail about the intelligence available to U.S. officials before September 11.

The 9/11 Commission previously concluded that failures involving intelligence sharing, management, policy and the ability to interpret the available information contributed to the government’s inability to prevent the attacks.

New records revive questions about Ground Zero exposure

In New York, the anniversary has also brought renewed attention to the long-term health consequences of the attacks. Thousands of firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, construction workers, residents and others who were exposed to the dust and debris around the World Trade Center site have developed illnesses associated with the disaster.

The FDNY has continued adding the names of members who died from illnesses linked to their work at Ground Zero. More than 600 firefighters have died from 9/11-related illnesses, according to department figures cited in anniversary coverage.

The city has also begun releasing large collections of records concerning its response to the World Trade Center disaster, including documents related to air quality and the handling of information about environmental hazards after the attacks. The records have renewed questions about what officials knew about the risks in Lower Manhattan and when that information was communicated to residents and workers.

A continuing national security legacy

The attacks prompted major changes in U.S. national security policy. Congress created the Department of Homeland Security, federal agencies expanded counterterrorism operations and intelligence-sharing systems were reorganized. Airport security procedures were substantially expanded, while Congress approved new surveillance authorities.

The attacks also led to the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan against al-Qaida and the Taliban. The United States later invaded Iraq in 2003, beginning two wars that became central to American foreign policy for the following two decades.

The wars resulted in the deaths of thousands of U.S. military personnel and large numbers of civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. The post-9/11 period also produced prolonged debates over detention, interrogation, surveillance, civil liberties and the balance between national security and individual rights.

Impact on Muslim and South Asian Americans

The attacks also had significant consequences for Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities across the United States. In the years following September 11, members of those communities faced hate crimes, discrimination, profiling and increased scrutiny. At the same time, Muslim and South Asian Americans have become an increasingly visible part of American civic, political and professional life. The 25th anniversary has therefore prompted communities across the country to remember both the victims of the attacks and the broader social consequences that followed.

Texas and communities across the country

The anniversary was not limited to New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Communities across the United States held ceremonies, vigils, memorial services and events honoring victims and first responders. In Houston, an interfaith remembrance brought together volunteers who read the names of those killed on September 11 alongside names associated with the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The event reflected a broader effort in some communities to discuss both the attacks and the consequences of the U.S. response. Other communities organized stair climbs, flag displays and local memorial ceremonies, often focusing on residents who died in the attacks or first responders who later became ill.

A 25-year transition

The anniversary comes as the United States enters a period in which a growing portion of the population has no personal memory of September 11. People born after the attacks now make up a significant share of the American population. For victims’ relatives, survivors and first responders, however, the events remain personal rather than historical. At Ground Zero, in Arlington and at Shanksville, the ceremonies continued to place individual victims at the center of the commemoration.

The newly released intelligence documents added another dimension to this year’s anniversary by providing additional evidence of the warnings available to U.S. officials before the attacks.

The records do not offer a simple explanation for why the attacks were not prevented. They instead add to an extensive historical record showing that U.S. agencies had identified bin Laden and al-Qaida as serious threats but failed to translate available intelligence into effective action against the specific plot.

Twenty-five years after September 11, the United States is therefore commemorating the victims while continuing to examine the decisions, intelligence failures, policies and human consequences associated with the attacks and their aftermath.

Shibbir Ahmed, NEW YORK — Iran-aligned Houthi forces have seized the strategic Mayun Island at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, tightening their grip around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and raising fresh concerns over global shipping and energy supplies.

The Houthis also took control of Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday and have advanced along the coast toward strategic islands, according to Reuters and the Associated Press. The developments represent the group’s most significant territorial gains since a 2022 truce largely halted Yemen’s civil war.

Mayun Island, also known as Perim, sits in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. About 12% of global goods normally pass through the waterway, making any prolonged disruption a potential threat to international trade.

The latest Houthi advance comes as shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has already been severely disrupted by the wider Middle East conflict. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on the Red Sea route to move oil after traffic through Hormuz became heavily restricted.

The potential loss of secure access to both major maritime corridors has heightened concerns among energy traders and shipping companies. Reuters reported that Saudi crude production fell to about 6 million barrels per day in August, its lowest level in more than three decades, partly because of disruptions linked to attacks on shipping around the Bab el-Mandeb.

Oil markets have responded sharply to the growing risks. Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel this week, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also crossed the $100 threshold as traders assessed the possibility of further supply disruptions.

Saudi Arabia has responded to the Houthi advance with military action. A Houthi-controlled broadcaster reported that Saudi forces carried out airstrikes on the airport in Mokha after the port city fell to the group. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The escalation has also raised fears of a renewed wider conflict inside Yemen. More than 46,000 people have fled their homes since the latest fighting began, according to the U.N. migration agency, while Yemen’s internationally recognized government has indicated that it intends to launch a counteroffensive to recover territory captured by the Houthis.

For international shipping, the main concern is whether the Houthis will use their new positions to further restrict commercial traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb. Shipping through the waterway had already fallen substantially after Houthi attacks on commercial vessels beginning in late 2023, prompting many shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa.

With both the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz facing serious security challenges, businesses are preparing for potentially higher transportation and energy costs. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil prices, shipping rates and the movement of goods between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The latest developments have therefore transformed the Houthi advance from a regional military development into a growing concern for global trade and energy markets.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Oil prices remained above $100 a barrel on Friday, putting both major benchmarks on track for their strongest weekly gains in months as escalating violence in the Middle East disrupted key shipping routes and heightened concerns over global supplies.

Brent crude futures rose earlier in the session to above $108 a barrel before giving back some of those gains. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also traded above $100, after both benchmarks jumped more than 6% on Thursday.

Brent was last trading around $104 a barrel, while WTI fell below the $100 mark later in the session. Despite the pullback, both contracts remained sharply higher for the week. Reuters reported that Brent and WTI were on track for weekly gains of more than 8%.

The latest price moves have been driven largely by growing risks to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, two critical routes for global energy supplies. Increased attacks on tankers and other shipping have raised concerns that disruptions could persist.

Iran-aligned Houthi forces also seized Yemen’s port of Mocha, according to reports, adding to concerns about shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the wider Red Sea region. At the same time, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Oil flows through the waterway have fallen sharply from levels seen before the latest escalation in fighting, putting additional pressure on already tight global supplies.

Supply concerns have also been reinforced by disruptions to energy infrastructure in the region. Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s crude production fell to about 6 million barrels per day in August, its lowest level in roughly three decades, following attacks on energy facilities.

The disruption is also being felt in fuel markets. U.S. diesel prices have climbed to record levels, increasing costs for transportation, agriculture and other industries. Higher energy prices are also raising concerns about renewed inflationary pressure around the world.

Oil prices had already risen sharply in recent weeks as the conflict involving the United States and Iran intensified. Brent crude crossed the $100 threshold on Wednesday for the first time since July, and Thursday’s rally pushed both Brent and WTI above $100.

Markets remain focused on whether diplomatic efforts can restore safe passage through key shipping routes. Any sustained improvement in shipping conditions could ease some of the recent price pressure, while further attacks or prolonged restrictions could keep oil prices elevated.

For now, traders remain cautious as the conflict continues to threaten one of the world’s most important energy supply corridors.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: The United States is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Friday, with memorial ceremonies taking place across the country. In New York, victims’ relatives are gathering at the World Trade Center site to remember those who were killed in the attacks, while moments of silence mark key points in the timeline of that morning.

At the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, family members are reading the names of their loved ones who died in the attacks. This year’s commemoration also includes a new moment of silence honoring people who were exposed to toxic dust and debris after the collapse of the World Trade Center and later died from related illnesses.

On September 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York, one struck the Pentagon near Washington and the fourth crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought the hijackers. A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks.

The consequences of the attacks have continued long after that day. Thousands of firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, volunteers and others who worked at or around Ground Zero were exposed to toxic substances. More than 600 New York City firefighters have since died from illnesses related to their 9/11 exposure, according to figures cited by Reuters.

Memorial ceremonies are also being held at the Pentagon and at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville. President Donald Trump is attending the Pentagon observance, while Vice President JD Vance and all four living former presidents are attending the New York commemoration, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.

New York also held commemorative events ahead of Friday’s anniversary. On Wednesday night, a special drone installation titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor” illuminated the sky above New York Harbor. The display featured 2,977 lights, representing each person killed in the 2001 attacks, before forming the outline of the Twin Towers at full architectural scale. Organizers said the project was developed in collaboration with 9/11 family members, survivors and first responders.

The city’s commemoration will continue Friday evening with the annual “Tribute in Light.” Two powerful beams of light will rise from Lower Manhattan, creating a symbolic representation of the Twin Towers and honoring those who died in the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial has scheduled the installation from Friday evening through early Saturday morning.

Twenty-five years later, the anniversary remains more than a remembrance of those who died on September 11, 2001. It also reflects the continuing grief of victims’ families, the sacrifices of first responders and the lasting health consequences faced by thousands of people who worked at Ground Zero.

For New York and the nation, the 25th anniversary is a moment to remember the lives lost, honor those who responded and preserve the history of a day that profoundly changed the United States.

Bangladesh is once again facing a serious public health test. On one side, measles is spreading at an alarming rate; on the other, dengue cases are rising rapidly. The two diseases are different in nature, transmission and prevention. Yet their consequences are converging at the same point—the lives of people, the economic burden on families and the capacity of the country’s healthcare system.

What is particularly concerning is that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. Effective vaccines have been available for decades. Yet gaps in vaccination coverage, disruptions in routine immunisation programmes and inadequate public awareness have allowed a preventable disease to develop into a major health concern. When this happens, it is no longer simply a medical problem; it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the public health system.

Dengue, meanwhile, is not a new challenge for Bangladesh. The country has faced recurring outbreaks, particularly during and after the monsoon season. With years of experience in dealing with dengue, Bangladesh should have stronger forecasting, prevention and preparedness mechanisms in place. Yet whenever hospitals come under pressure from a growing number of patients, the same question returns: are we learning enough from previous outbreaks?

The greatest victims of this double health burden are children. Measles can be particularly dangerous for young children, while dengue can also become severe rapidly, especially when warning signs are missed. When the two diseases surge simultaneously, hospitals face additional pressure for beds, doctors, nurses, diagnostic facilities, medicines and other essential resources.

This brings us to the most important question: Are our hospitals prepared?

Simply increasing the number of hospital beds will not answer that question. Hospitals are the final line of defence. The real strength of a public health system lies in its ability to prevent people from reaching the hospital in the first place.

For measles, that means strengthening routine immunisation, identifying children who have missed vaccines and ensuring that they receive appropriate vaccination without delay. Vaccination efforts must reach not only urban communities but also children living in remote areas, informal settlements and other underserved communities.

The fight against dengue must begin outside hospitals. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites, preventing stagnant water, improving sanitation and ensuring coordinated action by health authorities and local governments are essential. Treating patients after they become seriously ill cannot be the country’s only strategy.

Urban management is equally important. Construction sites, abandoned containers, rooftops, drains and other places where water accumulates can become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Efforts to eliminate such sites must be continuous rather than limited to short-term campaigns or occasional drives. What is needed is regular monitoring and accountability at the local level.

Another critical issue is data. Health authorities need timely information on where measles and dengue cases are increasing, which communities are most affected and which age groups face the greatest risks. Early and accurate data can allow authorities to respond before an outbreak becomes unmanageable. In modern public health management, success is not simply measured by how well a country responds after an outbreak; it is measured by how effectively it anticipates and prevents one.

We must also remember that a child’s death is never merely a statistic. Behind every death is a family, a future and dreams that will never be fulfilled. When children die from diseases that can be prevented or effectively managed, society has every reason to ask difficult questions about the effectiveness of public policy and healthcare delivery.

Increasing investment in healthcare is essential. But funding alone is not enough. There must also be transparency over how resources are spent, whether those resources reach the communities that need them and whether health authorities are capable of managing crises effectively.

The public also has a role to play. Parents must ensure that children receive their recommended vaccinations. Fever, rash, breathing difficulties or other concerning symptoms should not be ignored. People must also take responsibility for eliminating stagnant water around their homes and communities. But public awareness cannot become an excuse for institutional shortcomings. The state must ensure that citizens have access to reliable information, affordable healthcare and essential preventive services.

The simultaneous spread of measles and dengue should be treated as a serious warning. The question is not simply how many people have been infected or how many hospital beds remain available. The larger question is whether Bangladesh is building a health system capable of identifying risks early and containing outbreaks before they overwhelm hospitals.

Keeping hospitals prepared is essential. But an even greater priority is building a public health system in which the strongest line of defence exists before a patient reaches the hospital. Measles reminds us that no gap in vaccination coverage is safe. Dengue reminds us that the battle for public health begins not inside hospitals, but in homes, neighbourhoods and the way our cities are managed.

The response now must be based not on panic but on coordinated action. Bangladesh needs immediate medical preparedness alongside long-term prevention strategies. If this double outbreak becomes an opportunity to strengthen the country’s public health system, then the painful lessons of today can help prevent even greater losses tomorrow. The question, therefore, is not simply whether our hospitals are ready. The real question is whether our entire health system is ready.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with its annual commemoration ceremony in Lower Manhattan, bringing together victims’ families to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Family members will read aloud the names of the 2,983 men, women and children who lost their lives in the two attacks during the ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial. This year’s ceremony will include a new moment of silence honoring people who have died from illnesses or injuries linked to the September 11 attacks and their aftermath.

Seven moments of silence will be observed during the commemoration. They will mark the moments when the World Trade Center towers were struck and collapsed, as well as the attacks on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93. The additional moment of silence will follow the reading of the names and will become a permanent part of the annual ceremony.

The memorial said hundreds of thousands of people participated in rescue, recovery and relief operations following the attacks in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Many responders and civilians were exposed to hazardous materials and toxins at Ground Zero, contributing to chronic illnesses and deaths in the years since the attacks.

The 25th anniversary comes as more than 100 million Americans are too young to have a personal memory of September 11, according to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The institution said its education programs have reached more than 20 million students as it works to preserve the history and lessons of the attacks for younger generations.

The annual Anniversary Digital Learning Experience will allow students and teachers around the world to commemorate the anniversary through a 30-minute film featuring first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath, followed by a live chat with museum staff.

The museum is also continuing its Never Forget Fund campaign, which supports 9/11 education and efforts to preserve the memory of those who were killed. Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg is matching donations to the fund dollar-for-dollar, up to $25 million.

The annual Tribute in Light installation will return at dusk on September 11, illuminating the New York City skyline with two beams of light representing the footprints of the World Trade Center towers. The lights will remain visible overnight before fading at dawn on September 12.

For the first time, the Tribute in Light will also be featured in a live national broadcast. At 8 p.m. Eastern Time, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, in partnership with Disney Entertainment Television, will present a one-hour special, “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan.”

The program will be hosted by David Muir, Robin Roberts and Diane Sawyer and will feature performances by Lainey Wilson, Cyndi Lauper and John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting.

The museum will also open a new exhibition, “In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service,” on September 12. The exhibition will explore the continuing legacy of service inspired by the attacks through firsthand accounts, artifacts and multimedia presentations.

Musical performances during the anniversary commemoration will include Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Jennifer Nettles and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, along with musicians from the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Musica Reginae and The Harlem Chamber Players.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum said it is also inviting journalists who covered the attacks and their aftermath to record and share their personal experiences as part of an effort to preserve the memories of those who witnessed one of the defining events of the 21st century.

The 25th anniversary commemoration is intended not only to remember those killed on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, but also to preserve the stories of courage, service, resilience and compassion that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.

DHAKA: Prominent Bangladeshi children’s writer Amirul Islam, whose literary career spanned several decades and included more than 200 published books, has died at the age of 62. Islam died at 1:07 a.m. on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka, according to Mazharul Islam, chief executive of Anannya Prokash, a publishing house. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

Details of his funeral prayer and burial had not been finalised at the time of filing this report. His family and Channel i, where he had been associated for many years, are expected to decide on the arrangements. Born on April 7, 1964, in Dhaka’s Lalbagh area, Amirul Islam became a recognised name in Bangla children’s literature through his extensive body of work for young readers.

He wrote stories, rhymes and other forms of creative literature for children and went on to publish more than 200 books during his literary career. His work formed part of a long tradition of Bangla children’s literature aimed at combining entertainment with creativity and encouraging young readers to engage with books.

Islam’s contribution to children’s literature was formally recognised when he received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2006. The award is one of Bangladesh’s major literary honours and marked an important recognition of his contribution to the country’s literary landscape.

A career in literature and media

Islam’s professional life extended beyond writing. He remained associated with the mass media for many years and worked with Channel i, one of Bangladesh’s leading television networks. His involvement in both literature and media placed him within two closely connected areas of Bangladesh’s cultural life. While his books reached children and young readers, his work in the media connected him with the country’s broader cultural and communications sector.

His literary output was particularly notable for its volume. With more than 200 published books, Islam left behind a substantial body of work written primarily for children. Stories and rhymes formed an important part of his writing, alongside other creative works. Over the years, his books helped make him a familiar name among readers of Bangla children’s literature.

Recognition and legacy

The Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2006 provided national recognition for Islam’s contribution to children’s literature. His work subsequently remained part of Bangladesh’s wider literary and cultural landscape. The death of a writer with such an extensive body of work represents a loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the children’s literary community.

For generations of young readers, children’s literature has served as an introduction to reading, imagination and creative expression. Writers working in this field therefore occupy an important place in the development of a country’s literary culture.

Islam’s more than two hundred books constitute the principal legacy of his long literary career. His stories, rhymes and other writings will continue to be available to readers as part of the country’s children’s literature.

His death also marks the passing of a professional who maintained a long association with Bangladesh’s media industry alongside his work as an author. As of the time of filing, arrangements for his funeral and burial had yet to be announced. His family and Channel i are expected to provide further details.

Amirul Islam is survived by his literary works, including more than 200 published books, and a career that connected Bangladesh’s children’s literature with its broader media and cultural sphere.

NEW YORK: Saima Wazed has resigned as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia. According to her resignation letter seen by Reuters, she stepped down amid investigations by the WHO and Bangladeshi authorities into allegations of fraud and document forgery. Her resignation took effect immediately.

Wazed assumed the position of WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia in early 2024 for a five-year term. However, she had been on unpaid administrative leave since July 2025. Earlier, in March 2025, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against her over allegations of fraud and forgery.

According to the Reuters report, allegations against Wazed included financial irregularities related to a trip to China, providing inaccurate information concerning her educational qualifications, and the alleged illegal acquisition of land in Bangladesh. Wazed has denied the allegations.

A July 3, 2026 letter from her lawyers, seen by Reuters, said the allegation concerning expenses from her China trip did not involve travel fraud. Instead, they said an assistant had made an administrative error while processing the repayment of routine expenses. The amount involved was $901.

Responding to questions about her educational qualifications, Wazed said she had received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her work on autism in Bangladesh and had informed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus about it.

Regarding the land allegations, Wazed said in her resignation letter that she had acquired the property before joining the WHO. She also said she was entitled to the land under a Bangladeshi law applicable to members of the family of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In her resignation letter, Wazed further alleged that she had been prevented from effectively carrying out her responsibilities. She said the situation had destroyed her trust and confidence in the WHO leadership. She also said nearly a year without a salary had made her financial situation unsustainable.

The WHO told Reuters that a committee had recommended removing Wazed from her position one day before her resignation. The organization said her resignation would now be considered by the Regional Committee and the Executive Board. A WHO spokesperson said the process had been handled with fairness and appropriate procedures while protecting the organization’s interests and ability to fulfill its responsibilities.

The WHO is preparing to begin the process of selecting Wazed’s successor. Two Reuters sources said nominations are expected to be announced on October 12, applications are expected to be reviewed in December, and the election is planned for January 24. Until a new Regional Director is elected, Dr. Nilesh Buddh will serve in the role.

The Regional Director for WHO’s South-East Asia Region is one of the organization’s key leadership positions. The position involves overseeing the WHO’s response to disease outbreaks and emergencies and helping implement the organization’s policies in accordance with regional circumstances. Member states elect the Regional Director every five years. Bangladesh and India are among the countries in the region.