New York: The New York Bangladeshi American Lions Club, one of the prominent organizations of Bangladeshi expatriates in Jackson Heights, organized a food distribution program on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. The event took place on Tuesday, March 17, where essential food items were distributed among more than 200 low-income families, creating a strong positive impact within the expatriate community.

The event was presided over by the club’s President, Lion JFM Russell (MJF). Special guests included former Lions District Governors Lion Madadi C and Lion Amadou C, Founding President Lion Matiur Rahman, Immediate Past President Lion Rocky Alian, former President Lion Mohammad Saeed, Secretary Lion Md. Mashiur Rahman Mazumdar, Lion Fahad Solaiman, and Treasurer Lion Masud Rana Tapan.

In his speech, President JFM Russell said that Ramadan teaches restraint, compassion, and humanity. Through this food distribution initiative, they aim to put those values into practice so that underprivileged members of the community can share in the joy of Eid.

Former President Rocky Alian stated that even while living abroad, they do not forget their social responsibilities. He added that such initiatives help strengthen unity within the community. Former President Mohammad Saeed emphasized that humanitarian service is the core mission of the Lions Club and expressed hope that such activities will continue in the future.

Secretary Md. Mashiur Rahman Mazumdar mentioned that club members worked sincerely to make the event successful, adding that community support is their greatest strength. He also noted that the Lions Club successfully implemented more than 60 service programs during the 2025–2026 term.

Treasurer Masud Rana Tapan said that with the support of well-off individuals, they have tried to stand beside expatriates in need and will continue this effort. Chairman of the Convening Committee, Md. Mofizul Islam, remarked that standing beside people during the holy month of Ramadan is a moral responsibility. Convener Mohammad Kamruzzaman said the main objective of the initiative was to deliver essential food items to underprivileged families and share the joy of Eid.

Member Secretary Anik Raj added that the success of the program was made possible through collective efforts and that similar initiatives will continue in the future. Lion Abdur Rashid Babu served as Co-Convener, while Lion Zahid Alam acted as Chief Coordinator. Coordinators included Lion Hasan Jilani (MJF), with Co-Coordinators Lion Md. Ruhul Amin, Lion Kamrul Mazumdar, Lion ASM Uddin, and Lion Moinuddin Tuhin.

Other members present included Lion AFM Zaman, Lion Jahangir Alam Joy, Lion Mizanur Rahman, Lion Tarikul Islam Mithu, Lion Mohammad Khan (Duke), Lion Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Lion Syed Kibria, Lion Ehsanul Haque Babul, Lion Nargis Rahman, Lion Kazi Nahar, Lion Mohammad Suman Mahmud, among others.

Dubai: The UAE has announced Eid Al Fitr prayer timings across the seven emirates, with prayers set to take place early in the morning on the first day of the holiday. According to official guidance, prayer timings will be 6:20am in Abu Dhabi, 6:18am in Dubai, 6:16am in Sharjah and Ajman, 6:12am in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, and 6:10am in Fujairah.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said that Eid prayers will be held exclusively in approved mosques across the UAE, confirming that no prayers will take place in traditional open-air Eid prayer grounds.

Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now – it’s completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You can also find it on the Huawei AppGallery.

The measure is part of the country’s efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of worshippers and to facilitate the smooth organisation of prayers nationwide.

The first day of Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Thursday or Friday, subject to confirmation by the moon-sighting committee, which will convene after Maghreb prayer today. Officials said preparations are under way to ensure the holiday is marked safely and without disruption across the country.

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Tehran had shown it was ready to take the war with Israel and the United States as far as necessary. “I think by now they have learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are dealing with, one that does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary,” said Araghchi during a weekly foreign ministry briefing.

HOLLYWOOD – Irish actress Jessie Buckley on Sunday won the best actress Oscar for her searing portrait of motherhood and love undone by loss in “Hamnet.” She bested Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”), Emma Stone (“Bugonia”) and Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”).

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government has already started implementing the promises his party BNP made to the people before the national election in a gradual manner. “After the formation of the BNP government with the people’s mandate, we have started implementing all the promises made to the people before the election in a gradual manner, Alhamdulillah,” he said.

Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the monthly honorariums scheme for imams, muazzins and khadems of mosques, and heads and assistant heads of other religious institutions across the country.

At the event, he opened the programme by pressing the button of IBAS system to send the honorariums to the bank accounts of respective beneficiaries through EFT system under a pilot scheme at a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to eliminating economic disparity by creating employment, the premier said, “We promised the people before the national elections that we all will live well together by eliminating financial inequality by providing financial assistance or creating jobs for people from different classes and professions of society, who are economically disadvantaged. Now we have started implementing them”.

Highlighting several initiatives already undertaken by the government, he said the government has already introduced the ‘Family Card’ programme for economically disadvantaged women, adding that the scheme will gradually cover women across the country.

Tarique Rahman also announced that the ‘Farmer Card’ or ‘Krishok Card’ programme will be launched from April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh).

In addition, he said, the government’s canal excavation programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16.

About the honorarium scheme for religious leaders, the premier said, “From today, the honorarium programme for khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths has started. Gradually, everyone who needs this support across the country will be brought under the programme”.

He said that the government will make its utmost efforts, within the capacity of the state, to ensure economic and social security for all citizens regardless of religion, caste or profession.

Highlighting the responsibilities of the citizens, Tarique Rahman said, “If we, as citizens, properly fulfill our responsibilities towards the state and society from our respective positions, I hope that in the next 10 years, we will be able to see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, In-Sha-Allah”.

Noting that the government wants to build the country on a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, he said, “If citizens are kept weak, the state can never be strong”.

“Therefore, we want to establish our country on such a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen so that no more fascism or the evil forces of subjugation can take away the freedom of the people,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman called for being imbued with religious, social and moral values, saying, “An economically prosperous state may ensure financial comfort in people’s lives, but without acquiring patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, loyalty, solidarity, tolerance, generosity, friendship, humility, responsibility or kindness, a person cannot become a complete human being”.

“To achieve such human qualities, it is important to be inspired by religious, social and moral values,” he added.
Stating that liberal educational statements of religion are unparalleled in building a safe society free from revenge and violence, the premier said, “I believe that every religion has such positive messages for building a morally rich human society”.

“Therefore, the role of people with religious knowledge like you is very important in creating a mentality rich with religious, social and moral values,” Tarique Rahman added.

After concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman took part in a photo session with beneficiaries on the stage.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honor and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration and President of the cell formed to implement the honorarium providing programme Md Ismail Zabiullah attended the function as the special guest with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) in the chair.

Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry Munshi Alauddin Al Azad delivered the welcome address at the function.

Shaykh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Fayzul Karim, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Muhibbullahil Baki, Pesh Imam, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque; Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib, Dhanmondi Taqwa Mosjid; valiant freedom fighter Uday Sankar Chakraborty, general secretary of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram Kurigram; Dharma Mitra Mahathero, head of the International Buddhist Monastery, Dhaka; and Archbihop Bejoy N D’Cruze, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka; also spoke at the event.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Continuing its annual tradition, Graphics World, located in Jackson Heights, New York, has been hosting a month-long Iftar gathering during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative has been organized by Sakil Mia, owner of Graphics World and president of the Jackson Heights Elakabashi Organization.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, expatriate Bangladeshis along with people from various communities have been gathering there daily to participate in Iftar. Amid the busy life of expatriates, the gathering has turned into a warm social reunion for the community.

Before Iftar each day, guests engage in friendly conversations, exchange greetings, and discuss the significance of Ramadan, creating a sincere and welcoming atmosphere. The Iftar gathering is attended by community leaders, activists, poets, writers, journalists, businesspeople, employees of Graphics World, as well as friends and family members from different walks of life. Many attendees expressed that such gatherings help strengthen brotherhood, harmony, and mutual relationships among expatriate Bangladeshis.

Organizer Sakil Mia said that the holy month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification, compassion, and self-restraint. He noted that the annual Iftar gathering is arranged to strengthen bonds among people living abroad and to bring everyone together.

“We want everyone to share the joy of Ramadan together even while living abroad. This Iftar gathering is part of that effort,” he said.

He also mentioned that new guests join the Iftar gathering every day throughout the month, making the event more vibrant. Attendees have also praised the initiative, saying that such gatherings help promote harmony and unity within the Bangladeshi community in the diaspora.

The month-long Iftar program has created a festive atmosphere among expatriate Bangladeshis living in Jackson Heights. The event is supported by Anwar Hossain, Muhammad Mohiuddin, Mohammad Sayem, Abdullah Noman, Amir Hamza, Shyamal, and many others.

Among those present at the Iftar gathering were mainstream leader Fahad Solaiman; writer and journalist Akbar Haider Kiron; children’s writer Humayun Kabir Dhali; Nurul Azim, president of the Elite Club; Lion Ahsan Habib; artist Kamaruzzaman Bokul; Shahidul Islam, editor of Weekly Thikana Barta; Monjur Hossain, publisher of Desh newspaper; editor Mizanur Rahman; Moshiur Rahman Mazumder, news editor and publisher; photojournalist Nihar Siddiqui; Yasin K Joy; Amanat Hossain Aman; Sarwar Babu; Razu Biplob, president of Ruposhi Chandpur Foundation; its general secretary Gazi Sohel; Mohammad Shafi; journalist Abu Nasr; businessman Moinu Chowdhury; Mohammad Saeed, editor of Weekly Probash; and Shibbir Ahmed, chairman of the editorial board of Dewal Patrika and NewsNow, among others.

Commenting on the event, mainstream leader Fahad Solaiman said, “Such gatherings are extremely important to maintain brotherhood and unity among the Bangladeshi community abroad. Sakil Mia’s initiative certainly deserves appreciation.”

Writer and journalist Akbar Haider Kiron said, “This type of Iftar gathering plays an important role in strengthening communication and goodwill among expatriates. It creates a sense of family-like bonding within the community.”

Children’s writer Humayun Kabir Dhali said, “Ramadan teaches us restraint and humanity. Such gatherings give the new generation growing up abroad an opportunity to connect with our culture and religious values.”

Nurul Azim, president of the Elite Club, said, “Such noble initiatives bring people together and deepen mutual relationships. I express my sincere gratitude to the organizers.”

News editor and publisher Moshiur Rahman Mazumder said, “These types of Iftar gatherings play an important role in strengthening communication and goodwill among expatriate Bangladeshis. Ramadan teaches us patience, compassion, and humanity. The month-long Iftar organized at Graphics World is strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and unity within the community.”

The Iftar menu at Graphics World includes dates, chickpeas, puffed rice, onion fritters, jilapi, sherbet, various fruits, chicken nuggets, haleem, mashed mango, tehari, khichuri, meat, and many other traditional dishes.

Among those present and assisting in the organization were Zed Alam Nomi, general secretary of the Jackson Heights Elakabashi Organization; joint conveners Aftab Jony and Shams Jony; Kazi Aminul Islam Swapan; Golam M. Haidar Mukut; Iktaruzzaman Ratan; Ashrafuzzaman Ashraf; coordinator Rafiqul Islam Dalim; Professor Monirul Islam Khan; Mofizur Rahman; BN Badshah; Jibon Shafik; Shawn Babla; Faruk Hossain Mazumder; Nazmul Hossain Babu; A.Z.M. Jahangir; vice president Mohammad Manik Babu; assistant general secretary Mia Mohammad Dulal; chief adviser Mir Nizamul Haque; Marshal Murad; Mazharul Robin; Professor Rafiqul Islam; Namis Ahmed; Maksudul Haque Chowdhury; Mazharul Islam Jony; Mahbubur Rahman Mukul; joint member secretary A.B. Siddiq Patwari; Jahangir Alam Joy; Sheikh Noman Polash; Asadul Islam Asad; Shafiuddin Mia; Khulku Rahman; businessman Rana Ahmed; Anisul Kabir Jasir; Mohammad Khokon; realtor Hasan and many others.

The Iftar gathering organized by Graphics World remains open to everyone. The ongoing month-long event continues to spread the message of harmony, unity, and community spirit among expatriate Bangladeshis during Ramadan.

DHAKA – Five Bangladeshi migrant workers were killed and two others seriously injured in a fire that broke out early Thursday on Dhigurah Island in the Maldives, the Bangladesh High Commission in Malé said. The deceased were identified as Taj Uddin Islam, Md Sadar Ali, Md Robin Molla, Shafiqul Islam and Md Nurnabi Sarkar.

According to the Bangladesh High Commission, two other Bangladeshi workers—Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hossain—sustained serious injuries in the incident. They are currently undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé.

The High Commission said it is closely monitoring the situation and has taken necessary steps to facilitate the early repatriation of the bodies of the deceased to Bangladesh. Diplomatic officials are also maintaining contact with the relevant authorities in the Maldives regarding the incident.

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the US-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.

“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.

Trump’s comments came after he said that Washington had heavily bombed military targets on Iran’s oil hub Kharg Island and the US Navy would soon begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

But as the US strikes on Iran persisted, Tehran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Israel and its Gulf neighbours.

Meanwhile, several top Iranian officials joined a defiant pro-government rally in Tehran on Friday, marching alongside demonstrators waving banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Iran’s top diplomat said this week that talks remain off the table and attacks would continue for as long as necessary.

“I don’t think talking with the Americans would be on our agenda anymore,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told PBS News this week, adding Tehran had a “very bitter experience” during previous negotiations with the US.

SANGSAD BHABAN – The 13th Parliament has begun its journey with the beginning of its first session today, just a month after the February 12 general election, amid huge public expectations for a vibrant and effective Jatiya Sangsad. The maiden session of the newly formed parliament started at 11:05 am today with the introductory remarks from Secretary of Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat Kaniz Moula followed by recitation from the holy Quran and a welcome speech from Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

However, unlike in the past, the first session of the new parliament began with the Speaker’s chair vacant as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker (of the previous 12th parliament) are currently unavailable. At the outset of the session, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in his welcome speech nominated senior BNP leader and Cumilla-2 constituency lawmaker Dr Khondoker Mosharraf Hossain to preside over the House temporarily for the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by the Members of Parliament.

Later, the party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir seconded the proposal which was also endorsed by the opposition Jamaat-e Islami lawmaker MA Taher. Following their elections, the sitting is likely to be adjourned briefly to allow the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker to take oath, which will be administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Then the sitting will resume with the newly elected Speaker or Deputy Speaker in the chair. During the first-day sitting of the session, the panel of chairmen for the first session will be announced.

A condolence motion will be placed and discussed, expressing profound grief at the death of three-time prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, former MPs and other noted personalities. The Law Minister is expected to place some 133 ordinances in the House (seeking endorsement of parliament) and several parliamentary committees such as the business advisory committee of parliament will be formed.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will deliver his speech in the House later in the day. The maiden session is most likely to be adjourned after another sitting on March 15 (Sunday next) before the Holy Eid-ul Fitr holidays. Earlier on yesterday, a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party chaired by Tarique Rahman was held at the ruling party’s meeting room at Sangsad Bhaban. Following the meeting, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the ruling party wants the 13th parliament to be effective and vibrant where problems will be resolved through discussion and debate.

“Our goal is to run an effective, vibrant and responsible parliament. We want an environment of constructive discussion, rational argument and healthy debate on national issues in parliament,” he said at a press briefing. He said a member nominated by the Prime Minister will temporarily preside over the House.

The Chief Whip said the BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) on Wednesday authorised the Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to decide the candidates for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Parliament.

“We have entrusted the Leader of the House with the responsibility of deciding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He will take the decision, and we will know it tomorrow,” he said. He said the proceedings of today’s sitting will begin with the Speaker’s chair vacant. The session will start with recitation from the Holy Quran, he added.

After that, the Leader of the House will propose the name of a senior MP to preside over the sitting temporarily, which will be seconded by another MP. The nominated member will then preside over the session, said the Chief Whip.

Usually the first session of a new parliament begins with the Speaker of the previous parliament in chair and then the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker is held. Nurul Islam also said 133 ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before parliament on Thursday. Replying to a question, the Chief Whip said the Prime Minister showed “great generosity” by offering the post of Deputy Speaker to the opposition.

“But we have not received any positive response from them so far. If we do, necessary steps will be taken accordingly,” he said. On February 23 last, President Mohammed Shahabuddin summoned the first session of the new parliament under the powers conferred by Article 72(1) of the Constitution. This session is both the inaugural sitting of the 13th Parliament and the first parliamentary session of 2026.

The parliamentary elections were held on February 12 last, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) winning it with two-thirds majority. The 13th parliamentary election was held in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies on February 12 as the election to Sherpur-3 constituency was postponed following the death of a candidate. The Election Commission of Bangladesh published the gazette notification on February 13, declaring results for 297 seats.

In the 297 constituencies, BNP won in 209 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami in 68, NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat.

Later, the newly elected MPs were sworn in on February 17 and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, took oath as MP from Dhaka-17 constituency, leaving Bogura-6 constituency for by-election. According to Article 72(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must be summoned to meet within 30 days after the declaration of the results of polling at any general election.

The same article also states that unless sooner dissolved by the President, Parliament shall stand dissolved on the expiration of five years from the date of its first meeting. So, the five-year tenure of the 13th Parliament will officially commence with its first sitting on March 12.

SNAGSAD BHABAN – President Mohammed Shahabuddin today administered the oath to the newly elected speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, of Bhola-3 Constituency. Newly elected Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was a six-term lawmaker, previously served as the Liberation War Affairs Minister from which he resigned before taking this position.

At the beginning of a new parliamentary session, the oath-taking ceremony was typically held at the office room of the President at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban at about noon. Subsequently, the President also administered the oath to Barrister Kaiser Kamal, a lawmaker from Netrokona-1 constituency (Kalamkanda-Durgapur) as the Deputy Speaker of the 13th parliament.

Earlier, he had been serving as the state minister for the Ministry of Land and was elected from in the 13th national parliamentary election as a candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with his some senior cabinet colleagues and secretaries concerned were present on the occasion. Later, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker also signed their respective oath the office and secrecy as well.