Florida: The Bangladesh Association of Florida hosted its Eid Reunion 2026 in a festive and vibrant atmosphere on Sunday, March 29, at a hall in Belle Glade, Florida. The association has been organizing this reunion regularly since 1996. The program began with recitations from sacred texts of different religions, reflecting a spirit of unity and harmony. The event was hosted by Association President ABM Golam Mostafa. Secretary Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech, while Vice President Mohammad Shahed oversaw the overall arrangements.

A lively cultural program was one of the main attractions of the event. Performers including Lovlu, Babu, Rusho, child artist Prodip, Dulal, and others entertained the audience with music, creating a joyful Eid atmosphere. The celebration was further enriched by a nostalgic segment where participants shared memories of their childhood Eid experiences.

Participants in this segment included Senior Director Md. Harun, Organizing Secretary Awal Dayan, Joint General Secretaries Reza Islam and Md. Khorshed, Executive Directors Asim Roy and Bulbul, among others. Event decoration was managed by Executive Directors Titu and Tanvir, while sound was handled by Tanvir and Babu. Special contributions were made by Senior Advisors Abdul Wahed Mahfuz and Nazmun Mahfuz.

The discussion segment featured distinguished guests, including Awal Dayan (Convener), Naeem Khan Daud (Chairman), and M.K. Alam (Secretary) of the 31st Asian Food Fair & Cultural Show 2026. Other notable attendees included Pabon (General Secretary of Dhaka Club), Imran Jony (CEO of Ektara Florida), Rubaiya Mamun (President of Ektara Florida), Liton Majumdar (President of Bangladesh Club), Zaman (Chief Advisor of Miami Boishakhi Mela), Dr. Salauddin, FOBANA Chairman Atikur Rahman, founding member Junayed Akhtar, political figure Manjur Shaheen, and community leaders Shaheen Mahmud, Alinur Monju, and Shahed Nur Azad.

Speakers noted that although Eid celebrations abroad differ from those in Bangladesh, the spirit remains strong through communal prayers, visiting one another, and exchanging greetings. Many shared that the joy of childhood Eid celebrations is deeply missed. Former President and founding member Md. Imran joined virtually from Bangladesh and delivered a brief message.

After lunch, representatives of various community organizations—including Ektara Florida, Bangladesh Club, Miami Boishakhi Mela, Karigor, and Dhaka Club—were honored on stage. Prominent community figures Naeem Khan Dadan and Rubaiya Mamun were present during this segment.

Later, the organizers of the upcoming 31st Asian Food Fair & Cultural Show were introduced, including Convener Awal Dayan, Chairman Abu Naeem Daud, and Secretary M.K. Alam. In his closing remarks, President ABM Golam Mostafa highlighted the association’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities both in Bangladesh and in the United States. He expressed gratitude to all board members, advisors, members, and well-wishers for their continued support.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from community figures Mahfuz and Nazmun Mahfuz. The program was made successful through the dedicated efforts of Executive Directors Habib, Uttam, Hakim, Rashed, Morshed, Jitu, Sohel, Kamal, Faisal, Titu, Naser, Lebu, Mostafiz, and others.

Florida: A key meeting of the FOBANA Executive Committee was held on Sunday, March 29. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Zahid Hossain and conducted by Executive Secretary Nihal Rahim. Most members of the Executive Committee were present, and several important decisions were made. The most significant decision was the election of former Chairmen Atiquer Rahman and Bedarul Islam Babla to the Board of Directors.

During the meeting, the Convener of the 40th FOBANA Host Committee, Anwar Hossain Sentu, along with Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton, presented a detailed plan for the upcoming convention. They also announced the kickoff meeting for the 40th FOBANA Convention, scheduled for April 3 at 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. All members of the Bangladeshi diaspora were invited to attend.

The 40th FOBANA Convention will be held in Orlando over the Labor Day Weekend, from September 4 to 6, 2026. This year’s host organization is the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida, with co-host organizations including the Bangladesh Society of Central Florida, World Fair and Fest USA Inc., and Central Florida Sports Club Inc.

The meeting also approved several other important decisions, including the formation of various standing committees, membership drives, and detailed discussions on key agenda items, all of which were finalized with the consensus of the members.

New York City: On the evening of Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Queens Palace in New York City came alive with the vibrant celebration of Spring Breeze (Boshonto Batash) 2026. The event, filled with music, dance, and cultural performances, drew a large gathering of Bangladeshi expatriates from across New York and surrounding areas. The venue was packed with enthusiastic attendees, and the colorful spring-themed decorations added to the lively and festive atmosphere.

Audience members enjoyed the performances on stage, applauding and joining in the music and dance, creating an interactive and joyous environment. The festival not only entertained but also spread the spirit of spring and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh.

The event was organized by Kamaruzzaman Bukul, Sakil Mia, and Mia Mohammad Dulal, with support from sponsors including Golden Homecare, Highland Builder, and Prem Collection, among other local businesses. The organizers emphasized that the festival was not just a source of entertainment, but also a platform to preserve cultural identity and strengthen bonds of unity and friendship within the expatriate community.

The stage came alive with music and dance performances by Ronty Das, Nazu Akhand, Trinia Hasan, Kamaruzzaman Bukul, Aftab Jony, Amanat Hossain Aman, Onik Raj, and others. The combination of traditional and contemporary performances captivated the audience. The event was hosted by Sharmina Siraj and Mia Mohammad Dulal, who skillfully guided the program and kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.

Several prominent community leaders and business figures attended the event, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation. Among them were Shah Newaz, Fahad Solaiman, Nurul Azim, Akbar Haider Kiron, Shah J. Chowdhury, Moinu Chowdhury, Sohel Gazi, and Shahnaz Hossain.

Shah Newaz, owner of Golden Homecare, said, “Spring Breeze 2026 is not just a cultural event; it is a vital platform for preserving the identity and heritage of our expatriate community. Events like this strengthen unity and friendship among us.”

Fahad Solaiman, business leader and community advocate, added, “As the audience enjoys the music, dance, and performances, they are also experiencing and celebrating our cultural heritage. This festival demonstrates the importance of platforms that promote cultural awareness and artistic interest in the expatriate community.”

Nurul Azim said, “I am delighted to see the Bangladeshi community coming together to celebrate their culture. The event brought joy to children, youth, and elders alike, and such gatherings are essential for preserving our heritage across generations.”

Akbar Haider Kiron stated, “Spring Breeze is not just a source of entertainment; it reflects our identity and showcases our culture on an international stage.”

Shah J. Chowdhury said, “It is wonderful to witness the vibrant participation of New York’s Bangladeshi community. This event reflects the strength, energy, and unity of our community.”

Moinu Chowdhury remarked, “The performers delivered outstanding performances tonight. The audience’s excitement and appreciation inspire all of us, and we hope to organize even bigger and higher-quality events in the future.”

Sohel Gazi said, “Spring Breeze proves that cultural events are not just about entertainment; they are a noble means of preserving our identity and heritage. Such events are a source of pride for our community.”

Shahnaz Hossain added, “Today’s program combined entertainment and education, bringing joy to children, youth, and elders alike. We hope to continue organizing even larger events to bring the community together in the years ahead.”

“Spring Breeze 2026” was more than a cultural event; it became a symbol of unity, joy, and the vibrant spirit of the Bangladeshi expatriate community. Children, youth, and elders all immersed themselves in the performances, enjoying and celebrating the richness of their heritage.

The finale left a lasting impression on the audience, who responded with applause, cheers, and overwhelming enthusiasm. The event highlighted that the Bangladeshi community in New York is not only preserving its cultural identity but also inspiring the next generation to embrace and celebrate their traditions.

As a unique and lively cultural celebration, Spring Breeze 2026 will be remembered as a landmark event in the New York Bangladeshi community’s calendar.

DHAKA – The newly-formed government of Bangladesh has received congratulations and full support from 47 countries during discussions on Bangladesh at the 356th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. The countries expressed their commitment to work in cooperation with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, which assumed office with a public mandate through a free, fair and credible election, according to a message received here Today.

The discussion also addressed a case filed in June 2019 under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution by five worker representatives of the International Trade Union Confederation, accusing the then government of failing to comply with Conventions 81, 87, and 98.

In response, the previous government submitted a five-year labour sector reform roadmap to the ILO Governing Body in 2021. Progress on the roadmap has been reviewed in eight Governing Body sessions over the past five years, and the current government today presented the ninth progress report.

Representatives from all participating countries voiced their support for the current government. Of the 56-member Governing Body, 19 member states, 28 countries from two regional groups, and employers’ representatives praised the new government’s strong commitment to legal and administrative reforms in the labour sector and urged the rapid settlement of the ongoing case.

Bangladesh’s delegation included Minister of Labour, Employment, and Expatriates’ Welfare Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Labour, Employment, and Education Mahdi Amin. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to Geneva Nahida Sobhan and Secretary of Labour Abdur Rahman Tarafdar were also present.

At the outset of the discussion, Adviser Mahdi Amin conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to all Governing Body members and highlighted the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to labour rights, worker protection, and social justice. He noted that the Bangladeshi people had given the government a strong electoral mandate emphasizing citizens’ rights, human rights, rule of law, freedom of speech, broad-based employment creation, quality education, skills development, and merit-based growth. The adviser said these priorities align with the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

He also informed the session that a parliamentary special committee had been formed to enact the Bangladesh Labour Law Amendment Ordinance 2025 and assured that the government would expedite the process. He stressed that the government is positively disposed toward amendments developed through tripartite discussions, which will enable inclusive, sustainable, and employment-driven development.

Reaffirming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s firm commitment to institutionalizing democracy, strengthening democratic values, and ensuring workers’ rights, the adviser sought continued support from the ILO and other stakeholders. After extensive discussions, it was unanimously decided that the next session on the case will be held in March next year.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on athletes not to be affiliated with any political party or group during professional sports tenure, saying rather they should represent the country through sporting excellence. “In your (sports persons) professional sports career, you should not get involved with any political party or group, rather represent the country through your sporting excellence,” he said.

The prime minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sports card and allowance distribution programme at his office here this morning. Tarique Rahman also urged the sports persons to lead Bangladesh to a higher position in the global sports arena by winning games at home and abroad. “I believe that if you have patriotism, a strong will, and team spirit, no one can stand in your way of successful progress,” he said.

The premier said that sports is no longer just a matter of hobby, entertainment, or physical exercise, but is now recognized as a profession worldwide. “Bangladesh will also not lag behind. Before the 2026 national election, we pledged in our party manifesto that if the BNP gets the opportunity to run the state through people’s mandate, we would establish sports as a profession. The implementation phase of that promise formally began today,” he added.

Noting that defeat does not mean losing, but is part of victory, Tarique Rahman quoted Albert Einstein as saying: “A person who has never been defeated has never done anything”.

He said the government has started implementing a plan to bring sportspersons under a structured salary framework based on a specific policy so that they can pursue sports professionally without financial uncertainty for themselves and their families.

“For the first time in the country’s history, athletes are being brought under a salary structure and provided with sports allowances,” the premier said.

Highlighting the government’s other initiatives to improve the living standards of the countrymen, he said his government has already introduced Family Card, honorarium allowances for imams, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths, and a nationwide canal excavation programme.

The prime minister also said that the government is set to launch the ‘Farmers Card’ programme on April 14 from Tangail district. Stating that the government is implementing its commitments step by step, he said, “As part of that continuity, the ‘Sports Card’ has been launched today”.

Tarique Rahman said physically challenged individuals who are capable of contributing to sports will also receive sports cards. Under the theme “Sports for All”, he said the government has taken all initiatives to ensure facilities for underprivileged groups and persons with special needs, who want to participate in sports, both at home and abroad.

Highlighting the government’s plans, the premier said a wide range of programmes has been undertaken to establish sports as a profession. Noting that cricket and football are currently the most popular sports in the country, he said apart from these, there are many other sports like archery, boxing, yoga, gymnastics, carrom, weightlifting, wushu, swimming, para swimming, athletics, para athletics, karate, sepak takraw, table tennis, kabaddi, volleyball, wheelchair basketball, bridge, futsal and badminton.

“If these sports are supported by the government and private sector, those also can bring honor to the country,” he said. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that Bangladesh recently became champions in SAFF women’s futsal for the first time. He said the government has started implementing short, medium, and long-term plans to develop sports as profession. A plan has been taken to make sports compulsory from grade four in the education curriculum to ensure involvement of interested students in sports along with their studies, the premier added.

“We want our children to become interested and skilled in sports alongside their studies,” he said, adding that the Education Ministry has already begun revising the curriculum accordingly. Stating that ‘Notun Kuri Sports’, a talent hunt programme, is going to be launched nationwide in a new format, the prime minister said, “In independent Bangladesh, ‘Notun Kuri’ was initiated in 1976 to find out talented children and adolescents in different fields,”.

Although this popular programme of Bangladesh Television (BTV) was closed for many years at one point, the programme has now been re-launched on BTV, he said. ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ is going to be launched nationwide from Sylhet on April 30 to find sports talent among children and adolescents in a different way, he added.

Earlier, the premier inaugurated the sports card and allowance programmes around 10:30am. He launched the allowance programme by pressing a button on a laptop when an amount of Taka 100,000 was instantly transferred to each athlete’s accounts through Sonali Bank’s online system.

On the occasion, Tarique Rahman handed over sports cards to 129 athletes and honoured athletes who achieved success at the international level. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honour with State Minister for Sports and Youth Md Aminul Haque in the chair. Sports and Youth Secretary Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam delivered the welcome address.

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Md Ismail Zabiullah, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam and BNP Vice Chairman Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon were present on the occasion, among others. After the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister took part in a photo session with the athletes outside the Shapla Hall.

New York: The 2026 FIFA World Cup, widely regarded as the largest sporting event in human history, is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic expansion of the global football spectacle. The tournament will run through July 19 and, for the first time, will feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32, ushering in a new era for international football.

Under the revamped format, the 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a newly introduced Round of 32. As a result, the total number of matches will rise from 64 to 104, played over a span of 39 days, making this the longest and most extensive World Cup ever.

The opening match will take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where hosts Mexico will face South Africa. Canada will begin its campaign on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto, while the United States will also play its opening match the same day at SoFi Stadium in California. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will be temporarily branded as the “New York/New Jersey Stadium” for the duration of the tournament.

A total of 16 host cities have been selected and divided into three geographic regions across North America. Matches in the western region will take place in Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, while the central region includes Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, and Kansas City. The eastern region will host games in Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, and the New York/New Jersey area. Among the venues, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will host the most matches, with nine games scheduled, while MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the final.

The United States will host the majority of the tournament, with 78 matches, including all games from the quarterfinal stage onward. Canada and Mexico will each host 13 matches. The knockout phase will begin with the Round of 32 on June 28, followed by the Round of 16 from July 4–6, quarterfinals from July 9–11, semifinals on July 14–15, the third-place match on July 18, and the final on July 19.

The group stage draw for the tournament took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for several high-profile matchups. Among the notable fixtures, Spain will face Cape Verde on June 15, Argentina will begin its campaign against Algeria on June 16, and England will take on Croatia on June 17. Other anticipated clashes include Belgium versus Iran on June 21 and Brazil against Scotland on June 24 in Miami. The United States will open its tournament against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium.

As host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify for the tournament. They will be joined by a diverse lineup of teams from across the globe, including leading football nations from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, making it one of the most internationally representative tournaments ever.

This edition will be historic not only for its expanded format but also for being the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the first ever to take place in Canada. North America has previously hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986 in Mexico and in 1994 in the United States, but never on this scale.

With 16 cities, 104 matches, and some of the world’s most advanced stadiums, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the most ambitious and spectacular edition in the tournament’s 96-year history. For football fans in the New York region and beyond, the chance to witness the final at MetLife Stadium, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, represents a rare and historic opportunity. The countdown to kickoff has officially begun.

New York, Queens: A 19-year-old Bangladeshi-American woman was tragically killed late Sunday night after being struck by a garbage truck while crossing a street in Woodside, Queens. According to police, the incident occurred around midnight at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 62nd Street. Nishat Jannat had just gotten off a train after finishing work and was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, holding a cake she had bought for her younger sister.

At that moment, a large garbage truck operated by Royal Waste Services, traveling westbound on Roosevelt Avenue, made a right turn and struck her. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Her home was just a 10-minute walk away on 55th Street.

Back home, Nishat’s older sister, Naushin Jannat (21), had been waiting for her return. As time passed and calls to Nishat went unanswered, concern quickly turned into fear. Around 2:00 a.m., Naushin tracked her sister’s phone location and rushed to the intersection with family members. Upon arrival, they were met with police vehicles and the devastating sight of Nishat’s lifeless body.

“Everyone in the house is in tears. Her parents are completely broken. Nothing will ever be the same again,” said her uncle, Jamal Ahmed Shimu.

Nishat worked part-time as a receptionist at a parking garage on Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens. On Sunday night, she finished work around 11:00 p.m. and took the train to Woodside. Before heading home, she decided to buy a cake for her younger sister—a simple, loving gesture that tragically became her final act.

Her sister Naushin, through tears, described Nishat as deeply optimistic and faithful.

“She always told us to trust in Allah and to live in the present moment,” she said. “She used to say that death can come at any time, so we should always be prepared. She didn’t know her own time would be so short.”

Nishat was one of four sisters, including two younger siblings aged 9 and just 4. The sister she bought the cake for will now never see her return home.

Nishat’s father, Helal Ahmed, is an imam at Baitul Jannah Mosque in Woodside. A figure who regularly offers comfort to others, he is now facing the unimaginable loss of his daughter. The family immigrated to the United States in 2017 on an immigrant visa. Their hometown is in Golapganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh. Like many immigrant families, they came seeking a better life—one that has now been shattered by this tragedy.

The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is currently investigating the incident. The truck driver, a 38-year-old woman, remained at the scene and was treated for minor injuries. No arrests have been made so far. In a statement, Royal Waste Services’ parent company, Waste Connections, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said they are fully cooperating with authorities.

The news has sent shockwaves through New York’s Bangladeshi community, particularly in Woodside and Jackson Heights. Community members have expressed grief and pledged support for the family. At the same time, concerns are being raised about safety standards, driver training, and oversight of private garbage truck operations, as pedestrian fatalities involving such vehicles have been a recurring issue in the city.

Family members said Nishat’s funeral prayer will be held after the Zuhr prayer on Tuesday at Baitul Jannah Mosque in Woodside. She will then be laid to rest at a Muslim cemetery in New Jersey.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the government is considering to reinstate a traditional uniform for the Bangladesh Police, as many members of the force are reportedly dissatisfied with the current attire. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after the basic training closing parade of the 43rd BCS (Police) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi on Saturday.

The minister attended the event as chief guest and noted that discussions on the uniform are ongoing at the highest levels of government. Emphasizing equality before the law, Salahuddin Ahmed said the country is undergoing a significant transformation, placing greater responsibility on law enforcement officials. He urged police officers to carry out their duties with honesty, efficiency, and professionalism, while maintaining humane conduct and deep respect for the law. “Discipline, chain of command, loyalty, and coordinated leadership are the core strengths of any force,” he said. “In the eyes of the law, everyone is equal, whether a political activist or an ordinary farmer.”

Highlighting the role of police in ensuring the rule of law, the minister stressed that the force must remain free from political influence. “The government believes the police should not serve any political party or group. Our goal is to build a modern, service-oriented, and people-friendly police force,” he said, adding that steps have already been taken to increase manpower.

He also announced that efforts are underway to establish an independent and robust Police Reform Commission aimed at safeguarding the force from political interference. At the beginning of his speech, the minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, freedom fighters, the proclaimer of independence Ziaur Rahman, and those killed during the July mass uprising.

Earlier, he took the salute and inspected the parade, and later distributed awards among trainees for outstanding performance in various categories. A total of 80 officers participated in the training program, which began on March 1, 2025. Of them, 72 successfully completed the course. Among the graduates, six were female cadre officers and 66 were male.

The closing parade ceremony was attended by Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Members of Parliament from various constituencies, and other senior government officials.

DHAKA, March 28, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today issued a set of directives to BNP lawmakers to infuse dynamism in parliamentary activities at a meeting at Jatiya Sangsad.

“The prime minister delivered a directional speech addressing treasury bench members present at the ruling party’s meeting room at Jatiya Sangshad Bhaban this afternoon,” premier’s deputy press secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said.

He said at the onset of the meeting BNP lawmakers deeply mourned the death of Professor Dilara Hafiz, spouse of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, and offered a special prayer seeking her eternal peace. Rony said that the meeting also discussed ongoing government activities, current political scenario, legislative activities and future action plans.

DHAKA  – BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today exchanged views with party leaders, cabinet members and lawmakers at the party’s Nayapaltan central office here this evening. Earlier, he arrived at the central office around 7:20pm while BNP leaders and activists welcomed him upon his arrival.

This is the first time Tarique Rahman visited the party’s Nayapaltan office after assuming office as Prime Minister, said sources at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Earlier, he had visited the Nayapaltan office once after returning to the country from London.

A large number of party leaders and activists have gathered in the Nayapaltan area since the afternoon to mark his arrival. They chanted slogans, making the entire area vibrant. Members of law enforcement agencies were seen performing their duties to ensure the safety and security for the event.