Humayun Kabir Dhali, New York: Election activities have intensified among the Bangladeshi-American community in New York ahead of the Bangladesh Society, Inc. Election 2026. As part of its campaign activities, the Selim-Ali Panel held a large workers’ meeting and formally introduced its Queens-Woodside Center Election Management Committee on Wednesday evening, September 30, at Nabanna Party Hall in Jackson Heights.

The event was organized by the Queens-Woodside Center Election Management Committee of the Selim-Ali Panel. Community leaders, social activists, campaign workers, supporters and voters from Queens and surrounding areas attended the gathering. The Selim-Ali Panel is led by Ataur Rahman Selim, candidate for president, and Mohammad Ali, candidate for general secretary. Speakers at the meeting highlighted their previous involvement in community activities and outlined their priorities for the upcoming Bangladesh Society election.

The speakers said that strengthening the Bangladesh Society, protecting the interests of expatriate Bangladeshis, expanding social and cultural programs, and providing support to community members during times of need should remain among the organization’s key priorities. They also emphasized the importance of engaging younger generations of Bangladeshi Americans with the mainstream community, supporting senior citizens and assisting newly arrived immigrants.

During the meeting, the newly formed Queens-Woodside Center Election Management Committee was introduced to the attendees. Campaign organizers also discussed strategies for reaching voters across the area and maintaining direct communication with community members throughout the election campaign.

Supporters of the Selim-Ali Panel said they would work to take the panel’s message to voters throughout Queens and encourage greater participation in the election process. They also stressed the importance of conducting campaign activities in an organized manner while complying with the election rules.

Speakers at the gathering said that experienced and community-focused leadership is important for making the Bangladesh Society more effective and responsive to the needs of its members. Supporters expressed confidence in the leadership of Ataur Rahman Selim and Mohammad Ali and called for continued community engagement ahead of the election.

According to information published by the Bangladesh Society Election Commission, the Bangladesh Society Election 2026 is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2026. The meeting concluded with organizers thanking the invited guests, community members, campaign workers and members of the media for attending the event.

Akbar Haider Kiron, New York: The Bangladesh Society, Inc., one of the largest community organizations representing Bangladeshi Americans in the United States, has rejected recent allegations concerning its financial management, spending and alleged misuse of funds, saying its financial position has significantly improved over the past 20 months. At a press conference on September 28, 2026, the organization’s General Secretary Mohammad Ali presented a written statement addressing the allegations and outlining the society’s current financial position.

Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim, Board of Trustees Chairman Shah Newaz, and other leaders and executive committee members were present at the press conference. Following the written statement, Shah Newaz, Ataur Rahman Selim and Mohammad Ali responded to questions from journalists.

Society disputes $725,000 spending allegation

Responding to allegations that the current executive committee had spent or wasted approximately $725,000 over the past 20 months, society leaders rejected the claim as inaccurate. According to figures presented at the press conference, total spending during the period amounted to $521,865, covering regular operating expenses and various programs and activities.

The leaders said the expenditures are supported by relevant documentation, vouchers and bank statements. They also said the organization currently has approximately $919,000 in its bank accounts, arguing that the figure demonstrates a substantial increase in the society’s financial reserves.

According to the organization, the net financial position stood at approximately $116,000 when the current executive committee assumed responsibility.

$200,000 Bangladesh Center deposit returned

The leadership also addressed questions surrounding the proposed purchase of a Bangladesh Center in Jamaica, Queens. According to the society, it had entered into an initial agreement and placed a $200,000 deposit as part of the proposed transaction.

The organization said legal complications involving the property subsequently emerged and the seller failed to meet certain conditions outlined in the agreement. The deal was therefore canceled, the leaders said, adding that the entire $200,000 deposit was returned to the society.

Building violations reduced from $82,000 to $31,000

The society also provided an explanation regarding outstanding building violations and fines inherited from the previous administration. Leaders said the organization had inherited approximately $82,000 in violation-related penalties. A professional firm was subsequently hired to address the matter, resulting in the amount being reduced to approximately $31,000, according to the society. They said legal efforts are continuing to seek a further reduction or waiver of the remaining amount.

$89,000 spent on eight Iftar events

The organization also addressed questions regarding the cost of its Iftar programs. According to the figures presented at the press conference, the society organized eight Iftar events in four locations over the past two years, with total expenses of approximately $89,000.

However, society leaders said approximately $42,770 of that amount came from sponsors and donations from supporters. Based on those figures, they said the society’s own funds accounted for an average of approximately $5,803.75 per Iftar event.

Officials’ checks described as reimbursements

Questions were also raised about checks issued in the names of society officials. The organization’s leaders said such payments were reimbursements for expenses initially paid out of the officials’ own pockets for urgent organizational purchases or other necessary expenses. They said reimbursement checks were issued only against valid vouchers and supporting documentation.

Membership rises from 18,000 to more than 35,000

The society also highlighted an increase in its registered membership. According to its leadership, the organization had approximately 18,000 registered members when the current executive committee assumed office. The number has since increased to more than 35,000, they said.

Leaders urge verification of information

At the conclusion of the press conference, Bangladesh Society leaders urged journalists and community members to verify information before circulating allegations or claims concerning the organization. They said unverified information could create confusion and division within the Bangladeshi-American community.

The leadership also expressed its intention to strengthen the Bangladesh Society as a unified community platform and to build a more transparent, effective and sustainable organization for future generations.