New York: The annual Iftar and prayer gathering organized by the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, one of the well-known social organizations in New York, was successfully held amid the participation of the Muslim community, mainstream politicians, elected officials, prominent non-Muslim leaders, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
The event, titled “Annual Community Iftar,” marked its 23rd edition this year. Among the distinguished attendees were one of the most influential members of the U.S. Congress, Congresswoman Grace Meng, along with representatives from the New York City Mayor’s Office, the Queens Borough President’s Office, the Queens District Office, media editors, senior journalists, and many notable community leaders.
According to the organizers, more than 350 guests attended the event, which was held on Friday evening, February 27, at Sirajee Kabab House in Fresh Meadows, New York, turning the gathering into a vibrant community reunion.
In a solemn and spiritual atmosphere, guests were welcomed by the founder and president of the organization, Fakhrul Islam Delwar, who is also the Secretary of the Jamaica Muslim Center (JMC), along with Friends Society General Secretary Enayet Munshi, members of the organizing committee, and executive committee officials.
The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Adel Siddique. This was followed by a discussion on the significance of the holy month of Ramadan by Imam Hasan Akbar. A special prayer (dua) was later conducted by Maulana Mirza Abu Zafar Beg, Khatib and Imam of the Jamaica Muslim Center.
Before and after the Iftar, brief remarks were delivered by several distinguished guests including prominent businessman Lion Shah Newaz, chairman of Shah Newaz Group; Dr. Nazmul H. Khan, President of the JMC Management Committee; Ataur Rahman Selim, President of the Bangladesh Society; Engineer Mohammad Sadeq, representative of the Queens Borough President; Roza, representative of the New York City Health Department; Rokeya Akter, representative of the Queens District Office; local police precinct commander Black Lorten; Dr. Dilip Kumar G, Secretary General of the UN Religious Committee; Rachana Ghosh, President of the Sri Chinmoy Center; ABM Osman Gani, Chief Advisor of the Friends Society; Professor Shahadat Hossain, advisor; AFM Misbahuzzaman, Senior Vice President; former president Bilal Chowdhury; Akib Hossain of Meadowbrook Mortgage; Dr. Evan Khan, CEO of Khan’s Tutorial; Raj Goel, candidate for New York State Comptroller; Mohammad Molla, candidate for the upcoming election in New York State Assembly District 32; Mahtab Khan, candidate for State Assembly District 24; and Abdul Matin, Senior Vice President of Pabna Welfare Association USA, among others.
A Hamd and Naat performance were presented by the younger generation artist Ridwana Rahman Rahi. The program was jointly hosted by Mohammad Shahidullah, Convener of the Annual Community Iftar Committee, Ismail Hossain Swapan, Member Secretary, and Enayet Munshi, General Secretary of the Friends Society. In her speech, Congresswoman Grace Meng strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and highly praised the contributions and activities of the Bangladeshi community, particularly the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society.
Among the media representatives present were Nazmul Ahsan, Editor of Weekly Porichoy; Mizanur Rahman, Editor of Weekly Desh; ABM Salahuddin Ahmed, Editor of Weekly Haqkotha, UN News Agency and Ajker Telegram; Shahidul Islam, News Editor of Weekly Thikana; Belal Ahmed, Editor of Gemini Magazine; journalist SM Solaiman and photojournalist Nihar Siddiqui.
Other notable attendees included Pir Shah Mohammad Saifullah Siddiq of Charmonai, Mohiuddin Dewan, Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Society; Kamruzzaman Kamrul, Vice President; Mohammad Ali, General Secretary; Trustee Board member Ahsan Habib; former General Secretary Ruhul Amin Siddiqui; former official Nurul Haque; Friends Society advisors Saleh Ahmed, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, and Professor Husne Ara Begum; Rabbi Syed, General Secretary of Jamaica Bangladeshi Association (JBA); Rokon Hakim, Acting General Secretary of Jalalabad Association of America; Rokon, CEO of Raju Law Firm; Omar Bin, head of Ethinal Home Care; Fazlur Rahman of Al Harmain Group; Abdul Mannan, Director of Reliable Home Care; prominent businessman Kazi Helal; and real estate investor Nurul Azim, among others.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Friends Society President Fakhrul Islam Delwar. The successful organization of the event was supported by Co-Convener Muhammad Kamrul Islam Soni, Coordinator J. Molla Sani, Akhtar Babul, Naushad Haidar, Sharif Hossain, Joint Member Secretaries Himu Mia, Saidul Islam, Iqbal Ahmed, and Mohin Uddin Patowary, as well as executive member Riju Mohammad.
