Special Correspondent | New York – A book launch and discussion for The Yunus Files: Unmasking a Fake Saint, authored by Aminul Haque Polash and Probir Bidhan, was held in Jackson Heights, Queens, on Friday, October 23, 2026. The event took place at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, located at 37-06 77th Street. Organized by Nalanda Publications, the gathering brought together members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, journalists, writers, educators and cultural figures for a discussion of the book and its political and social themes.
The book examines Muhammad Yunus’s international public image, his activities and his various roles, presenting the authors’ critical perspectives on his public record. Speakers at the event discussed the book’s chapters and its relevance to contemporary political debates in Bangladesh. Veteran journalist Fazlur Rahman chaired the event. Tajul Imam addressed the gathering as the chief guest, while poet and analyst Hasan Al Abdullah served as the keynote discussant.
Hasan Al Abdullah referred to selected passages from the book and presented his assessment of Yunus’s role in Bangladesh’s political and social developments. His remarks included criticism of Yunus’s leadership and its implications for the country.
Freedom fighter Golam Miraj attended as a special guest and criticized what he described as the treatment of freedom fighters during the period of Yunus’s leadership. Awami League leaders Pradip Kar and Mohammad Ali Siddiqui also shared their critical views on Yunus’s political positions and activities.
Co-author Aminul Haque Polash joined the event online and spoke about the background to the book and his personal motivations for writing it. Educator and social activist Hosne Ara Begum discussed the book’s central themes, overall arguments and contemporary relevance.
Writer and children’s literature author Humayun Kabir Dhali addressed the historical significance of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech and criticized the handling of the commemorative day during the period of Yunus’s leadership.
Journalist and writer Shibbir Ahmed presented his views on Yunus’s past activities, while poet and filmmaker Rowshan Ara Nipa offered an analytical discussion of several chapters of the book. Other attendees included Sirajul Islam, Amanul Islam, Shawkat Akbar, Manzur Talukder, Rashid Abedin, Salma Begum, Rumana Akter, Farhin Shah and Jalal Uddin, among others.
Redwanur Rahman Jewel, publisher representing Nalanda Publications, thanked the attendees for participating. Poet and short-story writer Nazneen Siman moderated the program. Speakers expressed hope that the book would encourage readers to examine contemporary history and politics and engage with the questions raised by its authors. The program concluded with refreshments for guests and readers.
