New York — Taseen Ferdous, a 35-year-old dancer, educator, and cultural artist, has died in New York, leaving the Bangladeshi American community and the local cultural world in mourning. Ferdous passed away early Sunday, October 18, while receiving treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York. Reports indicate that she developed a severe viral infection, and her condition deteriorated rapidly despite medical treatment.

Ferdous was the only daughter of Annie Ferdous, artistic director of the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA), and engineer Zafar Ahmed. Her unexpected death has brought profound grief to her family, friends, colleagues, students, and members of the Bangladeshi American community.

In addition to her work as a teacher with the New York City Department of Education, Ferdous was actively involved in dance and cultural activities. She was known for her dedication to preserving and promoting Bengali cultural traditions through performance and education. She began her dance journey at an early age under the influence of her mother and through her association with BIPA. Over the years, she developed her skills in traditional, folk, and contemporary dance.

At the age of 13, Ferdous began studying Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, under renowned dance teacher Tejaswini Raj at the Shiva Jyoti Dance Academy in New York. After years of training, she completed her arangetram, a traditional solo debut performance marking a significant milestone in a Bharatanatyam dancer’s journey, in 2013.

Through her involvement with BIPA and the Shiva Jyoti Dance Academy, Ferdous participated in multicultural events and performances that helped showcase South Asian and Bengali cultural traditions to wider audiences.

Beyond her professional and artistic pursuits, Ferdous was also involved in community initiatives. Published reports describe her participation in social service and efforts supporting immigrant communities, including activities in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn. Her work reflected a commitment to education, cultural expression, and community engagement. Her sudden passing at the age of 35 has left a deep void among those who knew her and appreciated her contributions.

Ferdous is survived by her husband, young son Lucas, parents, and other family members. Her death has been a devastating loss for her loved ones and the wider community. Members of the Bangladeshi American community have expressed condolences and sympathy for the bereaved family. Her contributions as an educator and dancer are being remembered by those whose lives she touched through her work and cultural activities. Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services should be confirmed with the family or official community announcements.

Subrata Chowdhury | Atlantic City — The Bengal Club of Atlantic City hosted a meet-and-greet event on Wednesday evening, October 7, bringing together Democratic candidates, voters, party activists, and community representatives ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. The event was held at the Bengal Club auditorium in Atlantic City, New Jersey, providing an opportunity for candidates and political representatives to discuss their campaigns, share their priorities, and engage directly with members of the community.

Mike Suleiman, campaign manager for Democratic congressional candidate Jack Mulcahy and former chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Party, addressed the gathering in support of the candidate. Also speaking were Sean Riggins, a candidate for Atlantic County sheriff; Stephanie Marshall, an Atlantic City council member-at-large; and Subrata Chowdhury, a member of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee. The speakers encouraged attendees to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.

During the program, candidates and political representatives outlined their campaign goals, policy priorities, and vision for the future. The discussion offered attendees an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and exchange views on issues affecting their communities.

Community figure Shahru Raja Chowdhury moderated the event. Other speakers included Akbar Hossain, Md. Didar, Saeed Doha, Md. Mukit, Mahbub Rahman Majnu, Md. Rana, also known as Rana Kabir, Md. Hasan, Ferdous Ahmed, and Md. Zakir, among others.

The gathering drew community leaders, members of the Bangladeshi-American community, and Democratic Party supporters. Attendees had the opportunity to meet political representatives, discuss community concerns, and learn about the candidates’ priorities ahead of the midterm elections.

According to the organizers, the primary goal of the event was to strengthen direct communication between candidates and voters, encourage open discussion of public issues, and promote greater community engagement in the electoral process.

The meet-and-greet reflected the involvement of Atlantic City’s Bangladeshi-American community in local political activities and provided a forum for dialogue between community members and Democratic Party representatives.

VIRGINIA — A group of Bangladeshi community leaders and journalists recently visited veteran journalist and 1971 Liberation War freedom fighter Harun Chowdhury at his Virginia home, offering support and checking on his health.

The delegation included Shibbir Ahmed, ZI Russell, Sheikh Selim, Sadek M. Khan and Jewel Barua. They spent time with the 77-year-old former wartime leader, who is now largely confined to his home because of age-related health problems.

According to family members, Chowdhury is managing several chronic conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. His health problems have significantly reduced his mobility, and he requires assistance with many everyday activities.

The visit provided an opportunity for the group to reminisce about their years of friendship and professional association with Chowdhury. Conversations centered on shared memories, journalism and his long involvement in the Bangladeshi community in the United States.

Chowdhury’s connection to Bangladesh’s Liberation War is a defining part of his life story. During the 1971 war, he trained at Melaghar in Agartala, India, and served with Sector 2’s K Force under Major General Khaled Mosharraf and Major Haider. He later commanded operations in the Srinagar thana area.

After independence, Chowdhury established a career in journalism and literature. He served for many years as the Washington, D.C., representative of Weekly Thikana and wrote extensively about the Liberation War and the media.

Among his published works are Amar Muktijuddho Amar Ahankar 1971, a memoir of his wartime experience, and Shangbadiker Shongbad, a chronicle of journalism. Both were published by Anannya Prokashoni.

The visitors said Chowdhury’s decades of service to Bangladesh, journalism and the expatriate community remain an important part of his legacy. They also encouraged members of the Bangladeshi-American community and his former colleagues to remember him and his family in their thoughts and prayers as he faces continuing health challenges.

Subrata Chowdhury, Atlantic City: A traditional Mezbaan hosted by the Bangladesh Association of South Jersey (BASJ) was held in a festive atmosphere on Tuesday, October 6, at the Bangladesh Community Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event brought together a large number of Bangladeshi Americans from Atlantic City and surrounding areas, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, warmth and community spirit.

The Bangladesh Community Center was bustling with activity throughout the event. While some volunteers were busy preparing the traditional Mezbaani dishes, others focused on welcoming and serving guests. The aroma of authentic Bangladeshi food filled the venue, bringing back memories of the familiar sights, flavors and atmosphere of Bangladesh.

A large number of Bangladeshi community members from Atlantic City and nearby areas attended the Mezbaan with their families and friends. In addition to enjoying traditional food, guests spent time catching up, sharing conversations and exchanging greetings. Local mainstream political leaders also attended the community gathering.

For many attendees, the event was more than simply a meal—it was a celebration of Bangladeshi culture, tradition and community in the diaspora. The Bangladesh Community Center was transformed into a small piece of Bangladesh, as the flavors of Mezbaani cuisine, joyful conversations and heartfelt interactions recreated the spirit of a traditional Mezbaan back home.

Organizers emphasized the importance of hosting cultural events like this for the younger generation growing up in the United States. Such gatherings provide an opportunity for young Bangladeshi Americans to experience and connect with their heritage, traditions and cultural identity.

The Mezbaan generated considerable enthusiasm throughout the Bangladeshi community. For many attendees, the gathering also provided a welcome opportunity to reconnect with friends and acquaintances after a long time. The combination of traditional food, social interaction and cultural bonding helped strengthen relationships within the Bangladeshi-American community.

BASJ President Zahirul Islam Babul, General Secretary Jakirul Islam Khoka, and Trustee Board President Abdur Rafiq participated in the Mezbaan. They expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in organizing and successfully completing the event.

The organizers hope to continue hosting similar cultural programs in the future so that the younger generation of Bangladeshi Americans can remain closely connected to the culture, traditions and social values of Bangladesh.