New York — Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 28, a resident of Ontario, Canada, has been sentenced to an additional 50 years in federal prison for attacking two correctional officers at a Pennsylvania prison in 2020 while serving a separate sentence for plotting a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City on behalf of ISIS. According to a U.S. Department of Justice announcement dated Monday, October 19, 2026, the new sentence will run consecutively to the 40-year prison term Bahnasawy is already serving for his role in the 2016 New York City terror plot.

According to court records, Bahnasawy attacked two correctional officers at U.S. Penitentiary Allenwood on December 7, 2020, using a weapon made from part of a steel desk in his cell. He stabbed one officer in the head and face. When a second officer intervened to help, he stabbed her in the hand. The first officer eventually lost his right eye as a result of the attack.

After Bahnasawy was restrained, authorities discovered a note inside his sock stating, “This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State.” Investigators also found a pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, taped inside a locker door in his prison cell.

In November 2025, Bahnasawy pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including assault, assault with intent to commit murder, possessing contraband inside a prison, and providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the additional sentence would help ensure that Bahnasawy remains in prison for a long time after carrying out another violent attack in the name of ISIS.

U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said the sentence reflects the government’s commitment to prosecuting people who commit violence in the name of ISIS, including those who carry out attacks behind prison walls.

Bahnasawy was arrested in May 2016 after traveling from Canada to the New York City area in preparation for a planned terrorist attack. At the time, he was 20 years old and had conspired with Talha Haroon and Russell Salic to plan bombings and shootings in heavily populated areas of New York City during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The alleged plot was intended to cause mass casualties on behalf of ISIS.

An undercover FBI agent infiltrated the group by posing as an ISIS supporter willing to participate in the planned attacks. Bahnasawy has remained in custody since his arrest. The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office investigated the prison attack case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Deputy Chief Larry Schneider of the Justice Department’s National Security Division Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

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.

Washington DC — The United States has imposed sanctions on five entities connected to Chinese national Linwei Ding over the theft of trade secrets belonging to U.S. persons, the State Department announced Monday. The sanctions were imposed under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA), as Washington steps up efforts to protect American innovation and counter intellectual property theft involving sensitive and emerging technologies.

According to the State Department, the action follows an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On January 29, 2026, a U.S. federal jury convicted Ding on seven counts of theft of trade secrets. He was found guilty of stealing thousands of pages of confidential information containing Google’s trade secrets related to super intelligence (SI) technology, allegedly to benefit himself and technology companies based in China.

The State Department said the theft of trade secrets involving sensitive and emerging technologies poses a serious threat to U.S. economic, foreign policy and national security interests. Such activities can undermine American businesses, threaten jobs, discourage investment and cost U.S. industries billions of dollars annually, the department said.

The Trump administration reiterated its commitment to protecting American innovation and safeguarding U.S. businesses and individuals from intellectual property theft. The latest sanctions were imposed pursuant to the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act, codified at 50 U.S.C. § 1709.

The State Department said additional details about the designations are available in its accompanying fact sheet. The action underscores Washington’s continued focus on protecting trade secrets and maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced technologies amid growing concerns over economic and technological security.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – Nearly 200 countries are gathering in Armenia on Monday for crucial discussions on how to accelerate progress toward global nature protection targets, as governments face mounting pressure to deliver on a historic commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The United Nations conference, known as COP17, comes amid growing concerns that countries are falling behind on the goals agreed upon four years ago to protect and restore nature by the end of the decade.

Often described as the “Paris Agreement for nature,” the global biodiversity deal includes a landmark commitment to conserve 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. However, progress toward many of its targets remains slow, with limited advances on some of the most challenging commitments, including reducing subsidies for fossil fuels and other environmentally harmful industries.

Speaking ahead of the formal negotiations, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Friday that countries needed to acknowledge the gap between their commitments and actual progress.

“We must honestly acknowledge that, collectively, we have not moved forward at the necessary pace,” he said.

The summit is taking place at a time when public funding is under pressure and political attention is increasingly focused on conflicts, geopolitical tensions and the global energy crisis. Only a small number of world leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, attended a high-level session before the formal negotiations began. Most of the participating leaders were heads of state from neighboring Central Asian countries.

Despite the limited high-level attendance, Guterres stressed the importance of the conference, warning that humanity’s continuing “war” against nature threatens the planet’s habitability for future generations.

“We need more action, more speed and more goodwill,” he said. With the world halfway through the period leading to the 2030 targets, Guterres described the gathering in Yerevan as a critical moment for accountability.

“We must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough?” he said.

A United Nations assessment released ahead of COP17 found that progress was being made toward the 23 global biodiversity targets. However, the report warned that progress remained uneven and insufficient to achieve the goals by the 2030 deadline.

Financing is expected to emerge as one of the most contentious issues during the negotiations. The assessment highlighted a substantial funding gap for biodiversity conservation, with efforts to mobilize the necessary resources lagging far behind requirements.

Developed countries, including European nations and other wealthy economies, have financial responsibilities under international biodiversity commitments. However, they have also called on major emerging economies, including China, to contribute more toward conservation financing.

Discussions may increasingly focus on how private-sector investment can help bridge the funding gap as governments struggle to provide sufficient public resources. One of the summit’s priorities is expected to be encouraging corporations to contribute a portion of their profits to a United Nations fund intended to support nature conservation in developing countries, which currently has very limited resources.

Reforming government subsidies for extractive industries is another major issue expected to feature prominently at the summit. Guterres criticized governments for continuing to direct public money toward environmentally damaging activities despite their commitments to reform harmful subsidies. Referring to fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, he said: “Subsidizing fossil fuels is subsidizing suicide.”

He warned that fossil fuels are heating the planet and posing a serious threat to biodiversity. Environmental advocates argue that redirecting public funds away from harmful industries and toward conservation could help countries make faster progress toward their international commitments.

For Armenia, the mountainous country in the Caucasus region, COP17 represents one of the largest international events it has hosted. Thousands of delegates and visitors are expected to arrive over the next two weeks for discussions on biodiversity protection, conservation financing and implementation of global environmental commitments. Organizers have emphasized that the success of COP17 will depend not on announcing new promises, but on delivering concrete action to fulfill existing commitments.

Speaking on Friday, Adil Najam, Global President of WWF International, said the world already had the necessary vision for protecting nature.

“The world does not need a new vision. We have one. What we need now is to implement it,” he said. As negotiations begin, countries face growing pressure to translate their biodiversity commitments into measurable results before the 2030 deadline, with financing, accountability and the reform of harmful subsidies likely to remain central to the discussions.

DHAKA: Bangladesh has expressed its desire to build a stronger, more effective and results-oriented partnership with UNICEF to improve maternal and child health, ensure quality education, empower adolescent girls, strengthen child protection and enhance climate resilience. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam conveyed the government’s expectations during a meeting with visiting UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka yesterday.

The meeting discussed various aspects of the longstanding cooperation between Bangladesh and UNICEF in promoting the development and welfare of women and children. Shama Obaed praised UNICEF’s contributions to the advancement and well-being of women and children in Bangladesh since the country’s independence. She said the government was committed to building an inclusive society that ensures dignity, equal opportunities and access to essential services for women and children.

She also highlighted the government’s priority initiatives, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes, noting that financial assistance to women-headed households would help strengthen women’s economic empowerment.

The State Minister outlined several government initiatives in education, including school feeding programmes, free textbook distribution and free education opportunities for female students up to the undergraduate level. Highlighting Bangladesh’s significant progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, Shama said the government had nearly doubled budget allocations for the health sector to strengthen healthcare services.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving educational standards, she said investment in education would gradually increase, with the aim of raising education spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). On child marriage, she stressed the importance of addressing its underlying socioeconomic causes, including poverty, social norms, school dropouts and limited opportunities for girls.

The meeting also discussed gender-related risks arising from climate change, violence against women, including online harassment, and juvenile crime. In this connection, Shama referred to her recent meeting with Meta officials in New York, where discussions included the possibility of establishing a local office of the company in Bangladesh to ensure faster responses to complaints. She also outlined various government measures aimed at addressing juvenile crime.

The State Minister expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s assistance in ensuring education, healthcare, nutrition and protection for Rohingya children in Bangladesh. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell praised Bangladesh’s progress in reducing child mortality and stunting, increasing school attendance and birth registration, and expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Russell expressed gratitude for the government’s cooperation and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continuing its support for Bangladesh. Among those attending the meeting from UNICEF were UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Gillian Mellsop, Deputy Representative Emmanuel Abiru and Child Protection Specialist Shabnaz Zaherin Catherine.

Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Director General Kazi Ehsanul Haque were also present. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and UNICEF to advancing the rights, protection and well-being of women and children through stronger cooperation and targeted development initiatives.

DHAKA: The government is stepping up efforts to curb juvenile gang activities across Bangladesh, with the Home Ministry deciding to establish anti-juvenile gang committees in all upazilas across the country. Under the decision, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) will serve as presidents of the committees, while the officers-in-charge (OCs) of the respective police stations will act as member-secretaries.

The initiative aims to strengthen coordination between local administration and law enforcement agencies to address juvenile gang activities more effectively at the grassroots level. With administrative officials and police working under a unified framework, the committees are expected to improve monitoring, enhance information sharing and support preventive measures to keep young people away from gang-related activities.

The move reflects the government’s tougher approach to tackling juvenile gangs amid growing concerns over youth violence, criminal activities and public safety across the country. The formation of committees in every upazila is expected to bring local authorities closer to communities and help strengthen efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on coordinated action, regular monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures at the local level.

DHAKA – Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraque Hossain today resigned from his position as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. At a press conference held at the National Press Club this afternoon, Ishraque said he chose to step down voluntarily to avoid putting the Prime Minister or the BNP in an uncomfortable position.

Ishraque said he spoke to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed his will to resign from the post of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. Despite stepping down from his ministerial portfolio, he reaffirmed his intent to continue his anti-drug drives as a BNP activist.

DHAKA: The office of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain has strongly rejected reports circulating in various media outlets and on social media claiming that he has resigned or been instructed to resign, describing the reports as “completely false, baseless, and politically motivated.”

In a press statement issued on Sunday and signed by the minister’s press officer, Mahfuz Kabir Mukta, the office condemned the reports and urged the public not to be misled by what it described as deliberate misinformation.

The statement said that Minister Ishraq Hossain has been performing his duties with dedication and integrity. It also clarified that no instructions had been issued by the government’s senior leadership for him to step down and that there was no basis for such rumors. According to the statement, an interest-driven group is allegedly spreading fabricated information to achieve political objectives and create confusion among the public.

The statement also addressed an incident that took place on October 17 in Gandaria, within the minister’s parliamentary constituency, during a social resistance campaign against drugs. According to the minister’s office, he displayed his personal firearm in a lawful act of self-defense amid the situation that arose during the program. The statement noted that the minister had already explained his position regarding the incident. It further criticized reports linking the incident to his alleged resignation, calling such coverage misleading and contrary to journalistic ethics.

The press statement called on all media outlets and members of the public not to be influenced by what it described as misinformation. It also demanded that media outlets that had published the alleged resignation news withdraw their reports immediately. Otherwise, the statement warned, appropriate legal action could be taken against those responsible for spreading the misinformation. The minister’s office reiterated that reports of Ishraq Hossain’s resignation or an order directing him to resign are unfounded, according to the official statement.

Dhaka: A political controversy has emerged in Bangladesh following reports that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed State Minister Ishraque Hossain to resign from the cabinet. According to media reports, the reported directive came after controversy surrounding Ishraque Hossain’s participation in an anti-drug operation in Dhaka while carrying a firearm.

The issue reportedly came into focus following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday. However, an official government confirmation and confirmation that a formal resignation has been submitted are necessary to establish the latest status of the matter. The reports have sparked discussion in Bangladesh’s political circles. Further clarification is expected if the government or the individuals concerned issue an official statement.

New York Correspondent — The two-day Times Square Durga Utsav 2026 concluded successfully in the heart of New York City, bringing together members of the Bengali diaspora for a vibrant celebration of religious tradition, culture, music, and dance. The festival, held on October 10 and 11, drew enthusiastic participation from the Bengali community despite challenging weather conditions on the second day.

Following the conclusion of the event, the Times Square Durga Utsav Association expressed its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, volunteered, contributed, and supported the celebration.

On Saturday, October 10, thousands of Bengalis gathered at Times Square under bright, sunny skies to celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja. The event transformed the iconic Manhattan destination into a lively gathering place for Bengali culture, devotion, and community spirit. Participants from New York and surrounding areas came together to pay their respects to Goddess Durga and celebrate their cultural heritage far from their ancestral homeland.

The festival provided an opportunity for members of the Bengali diaspora to reconnect with their traditions while sharing their rich cultural identity with the wider public. Weather conditions changed on Sunday, October 11, as rain swept through the area. Despite the unfavorable weather, hundreds of people continued to visit the festival venue to offer their prayers and pay homage to Goddess Durga.

Their presence reflected the deep devotion, enthusiasm, and cultural bonds that unite Bengalis across geographical boundaries. The turnout demonstrated that adverse weather could not dampen the community’s spirit or its connection to one of its most cherished festivals.

The two-day celebration featured religious rituals, prayers, floral offerings, the distribution of prasad, music, dance, and other cultural activities. Through these programs, the organizers sought to showcase Bengali heritage and the traditions of Durga Puja on an international platform. The celebration also served as an opportunity for younger generations of Bengali Americans to connect with their cultural roots.

For many members of the diaspora, the gathering represented more than a religious celebration. It was a moment to strengthen community ties, preserve traditions, and share Bengali culture with people from different backgrounds.

One of the notable highlights of this year’s festival was the recognition of six organizations for their contributions to preserving Bengali culture and the tradition of Durga Puja in the United States. The organizations honored were Bay Area Probashi Incorporated, Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, Bengali Cultural Society, East Coast Durga Puja Association, Kallol, and Pragati.

Their work in maintaining Bengali cultural traditions, promoting community engagement, and passing heritage on to younger generations was recognized as an important contribution to the Bengali diaspora.

In a message following the conclusion of the festival, the Times Square Durga Utsav Association thanked everyone who contributed their time, effort, and support to make the event possible.

The organizers highlighted the enthusiastic participation on the first day and the determination of devotees who attended despite the rain on the second day. They said the community’s love, devotion, and cooperation would remain a source of inspiration for future events.

The association also emphasized that although this year’s celebration had come to an end, the spirit of unity, friendship, and cultural harmony would continue. Organizers expressed their hope of welcoming Goddess Durga again next year with renewed enthusiasm and fresh aspirations.

The Times Square Durga Utsav has become an important occasion for the Bengali community to celebrate its religious traditions and showcase its cultural identity in one of the world’s most recognizable public spaces.

Beyond the religious ceremonies, the event highlighted the importance of preserving Bengali language, heritage, and traditions among communities living abroad. As the 2026 celebration concludes, organizers and participants look forward to returning next year for another gathering centered on devotion, cultural pride, and community solidarity. The Times Square Durga Utsav Association concluded its message by wishing peace, prosperity, and well-being for all and thanking everyone who helped make the festival memorable.