New York, Queens: A 19-year-old Bangladeshi-American woman was tragically killed late Sunday night after being struck by a garbage truck while crossing a street in Woodside, Queens. According to police, the incident occurred around midnight at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 62nd Street. Nishat Jannat had just gotten off a train after finishing work and was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, holding a cake she had bought for her younger sister.

At that moment, a large garbage truck operated by Royal Waste Services, traveling westbound on Roosevelt Avenue, made a right turn and struck her. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Her home was just a 10-minute walk away on 55th Street.

Back home, Nishat’s older sister, Naushin Jannat (21), had been waiting for her return. As time passed and calls to Nishat went unanswered, concern quickly turned into fear. Around 2:00 a.m., Naushin tracked her sister’s phone location and rushed to the intersection with family members. Upon arrival, they were met with police vehicles and the devastating sight of Nishat’s lifeless body.

“Everyone in the house is in tears. Her parents are completely broken. Nothing will ever be the same again,” said her uncle, Jamal Ahmed Shimu.

Nishat worked part-time as a receptionist at a parking garage on Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens. On Sunday night, she finished work around 11:00 p.m. and took the train to Woodside. Before heading home, she decided to buy a cake for her younger sister—a simple, loving gesture that tragically became her final act.

Her sister Naushin, through tears, described Nishat as deeply optimistic and faithful.

“She always told us to trust in Allah and to live in the present moment,” she said. “She used to say that death can come at any time, so we should always be prepared. She didn’t know her own time would be so short.”

Nishat was one of four sisters, including two younger siblings aged 9 and just 4. The sister she bought the cake for will now never see her return home.

Nishat’s father, Helal Ahmed, is an imam at Baitul Jannah Mosque in Woodside. A figure who regularly offers comfort to others, he is now facing the unimaginable loss of his daughter. The family immigrated to the United States in 2017 on an immigrant visa. Their hometown is in Golapganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh. Like many immigrant families, they came seeking a better life—one that has now been shattered by this tragedy.

The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is currently investigating the incident. The truck driver, a 38-year-old woman, remained at the scene and was treated for minor injuries. No arrests have been made so far. In a statement, Royal Waste Services’ parent company, Waste Connections, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said they are fully cooperating with authorities.

The news has sent shockwaves through New York’s Bangladeshi community, particularly in Woodside and Jackson Heights. Community members have expressed grief and pledged support for the family. At the same time, concerns are being raised about safety standards, driver training, and oversight of private garbage truck operations, as pedestrian fatalities involving such vehicles have been a recurring issue in the city.

Family members said Nishat’s funeral prayer will be held after the Zuhr prayer on Tuesday at Baitul Jannah Mosque in Woodside. She will then be laid to rest at a Muslim cemetery in New Jersey.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering support and solidarity with Bangladesh during a meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters.

The meeting took place with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, where the Secretary-General extended his sincere congratulations to the newly formed government of Bangladesh.

During the discussion, Guterres highly praised Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian leadership and generosity in hosting displaced Rohingya people. He acknowledged the country’s significant role in providing shelter and assistance to one of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The meeting also covered a range of current global issues. Dr. Rahman highlighted the challenges faced by developing and vulnerable countries amid the ongoing global oil crisis, emphasizing its disproportionate and unequal impact on poorer nations.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr. Rahman invited the Secretary-General to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Guterres warmly accepted the invitation and expressed his appreciation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Nations to address global challenges and advance sustainable development goals.

DHAKA – A court here today placed former director general (DG) of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Lt Gen (Retd) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, on a five-day remand in a case lodged over the murder of one Delwar Hossain in the city’s Mirpur area during the July Mass Uprising.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Siddique Azad passed the order as the police produced the accused before the court and pleaded to place him on a seven-day remand in the case. A team from the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained Khaled at his Mirpur DOHS residence on the night of March 25.

According to the case documents, Delwar Hossain joined an anti-discrimination student movement rally on July 19, 2024, in front of a fruit market in the Mirpur-10 area. The rally came under attack from the unidentified goons, firing shots indiscriminately at the protesters. Delwar got shot and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on July 21. Delwar’s widow, Liza Akter, filed the case on July 6, 2025, over the incident.

JERUSALEM – Air raid sirens sounded and explosions rang out in several areas of Israel on Thursday as Iran launched multiple missiles, the military said, adding that the projectiles had been intercepted. Falling shrapnel has wounded seven people since the first missile attack was detected in the morning, according to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom.

The military said it had detected seven waves of incoming missiles over the course of the day, triggering sirens in central Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and some areas of the occupied West Bank. “Defence systems are operating to intercept the threat,” it said as it announced each salvo.

AFP journalists in Tel Aviv reported hearing several blasts from the morning, with the first missile fire detected at 6:49 am (0449 GMT). AFP footage showed a residential building in the Tel Aviv area struck by debris from an intercepted missile.Images showed damage to an apartment, with metal fragments scattered across the scene. Rescue services and medics were deployed to assess the damage.

Earlier, a spokesperson for Magen David Adom told public radio that several houses were damaged in the central city of Kafr Qassem. Mayor Haitham Taha said the damage was caused by cluster munitions. Magen David Adom said six people were wounded in Kafr Qassem and one in Tel Aviv. AFP footage showed a large crater at the impact site in Kafr Qassem, as well as several cars overturned by the blast.

The first morning attack came more than 14 hours after the military last reported incoming missiles from Iran. Central Israel also came under fire overnight from Lebanon, after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group said it had targeted military sites in the area. Israeli media reported that six rockets were intercepted.

In a separate statement, the military said a soldier was killed in fighting in south Lebanon on Thursday. Since the war in the Middle East began on February 28, the Israeli military has lost three soldiers in combat in southern Lebanon, where ground operations have expanded.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that alongside the iconic children’s talent hunt programme ‘Notun Kuri’, his government is now planning to introduce another nationwide programme named ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ aimed at hunting new talents in the sports arena.

“As you know, we pledged in our party’s election manifesto that we want to create new players for various sports in Bangladesh’s sports arena and to give the sports a professional shape,” he said.

“Therefore, alongside the “Notun Kuri” programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We have a plan to introduce interclass sports competition in every school in every district, upazila, and union level,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while distributing prize of a friendly football match at the national stadium here this afternoon. Bangladesh Football Federation organized the match on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and along with his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman enjoyed the game.

The premier greeted everyone on the occasion of Independence and National Day. Noting that the government has a goal to ensure that Bangladesh can bring more honor in international sports forums, he said his government has a plan and effort to develop skilled players so that the country can achieve better results in international competitions.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Tarique Rahman called upon everyone, especially those who are directly or indirectly involved in sports, to take a collective decision and work together to develop the sports sector.

He said that efforts should be made to build the sports sector of Bangladesh in a beautiful and inclusive manner, beyond difference of party or opinion. “I believe that sports have the ability to create bonds of friendship and brotherhood among us, just as it can bring honour for the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka City South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the function.

DHAKA – Independence and National Day Parade 2026 was held with great pomp at the National Parade Square today after 18 years. President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended as the chief guest and took the salute during the parade. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the colorful parade.

Earlier, the premier along with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan received the President at the parade ground.

Jatiya Sangsad speaker, cabinet members, members of parliament, senior military and civil officials, foreign diplomats and media personalities were present on the occasion. The parade was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs with the support of the Armed Forces Division and overall management of the 9th Infantry Division. Freedom fighters, armed forces, paramilitary forces and members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence took part in the parade.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area Major General SM Asadul Haque performed as the parade commander while Commander of the 71 Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Mohammad Shafqat-Ul-Islam served as the deputy commander.

A total of 25 contingents from different forces gave salute to the President. Commander of 9 Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Md Anwar Uz Zaman led the combined mechanized contingent. The mechanized display included significant military weapons. In addition, decorated vehicles carried freedom fighters who gave salute to the President.

Fly-pasts by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, BGB Air Wing and RAB Forces and freefall jumps by adventurous Para Commando members made the parade more interesting. After the mechanized display, Bangladesh Air Force conducted a spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display. Air Commodore Mehedi Hasan led the aerial formation. State-owned Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and radio stations live telecast the parade.

According to the ISPR, in order to uphold the true history of the great independence and Liberation War to the new generation, a significant number of banners and billboards containing the spirit of the great Independence and National Day were displayed on two sides of the city roads and the National Parade Square.

These banners and billboards reflected the great Liberation War and the immortal history and heritage of the Bangalee nation. In addition, pictures of notable activities of all the forces participating in the parade have been displayed on the parade ground.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today greeted members of the armed forces after the colorful Independence and National Day parade at the National Parade Square in the capital. The parade, held after a gap of 18 years, turned into a remarkable display of patriotism, discipline, and military capability.

The Prime Minister expressed admiration for the wonderful arrangement, sources at PMO said. While departing from the parade ground, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, exchanged pleasantries with the members of the armed forces.

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present. President Mohammed Shahabuddin took the salute and inspected the parade as the chief guest.

DHAKA – President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebeka Sultana today hosted a reception at Bangabhaban marking the country’s 56th Independence and National Day-2026. Several hundred dignitaries attended the Independence and National Day reception at the green lawn of the Presidential palace benign at 2:30 pm.

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Jatiya Sangsad Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, cabinet members, including ruling BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior political leaders, foreign diplomats, Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three services, members of parliament (MP), academics, business community leaders, artistes, valiant Freedom Fighters and family members of 19 Birshreshtha gallantry award recipients and distinguished citizens attended the programme.

Media personalities including editors and journalist leaders also attended the reception alongside top civil and military officials. On the occasion, President Shahabuddin along with President’s wife Dr Rebeka Sultana and other dignitaries cut a cake. They also exchanged greetings with the guests and attended a photo session.

Besides, they exchanged greetings with the injured freedom fighters and other guests. The reception was followed by a cultural programme and light entertainment.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban here this evening on the occasion of the 56th Independence and National Day. On the arrival at the Bangabhaban for the first time, President Shahabuddin and his wife Dr Rebeka Sultana welcomed the Prime Minister and his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman with bouquet of flowers.

They exchanged greetings and discussed various aspects of the programmes taken on the occasion of the Independence Day, A Bangabhaban press release said. They expressed satisfaction over the successful completion of the programme undertaken marking the Independence Day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recalled his visit to Bangabhaban in his youth and shared various memories with the then President. Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal, secretaries concerned to the President and the Prime Minister’s Office were present.

Today, March 17, 2026, marks the 106th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. He was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara, in the Gopalganj District, to Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sayera Khatun.

From an early age, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was actively involved in politics. During his youth, he developed strong political awareness and participated in various movements for the country’s independence. He was imprisoned early in his political career and, despite numerous challenges, eventually emerged as a prominent political leader.

He played a pivotal role in leading the nation toward independence in 1971. His historic March 7 speech at the Racecourse Ground inspired the Bengali people to join the struggle for freedom. On the night of March 25, Pakistani forces arrested him. After a nine-month-long war, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16, 1971.

Following independence, Bangabandhu became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh and later served as President. However, on August 15, 1975, he and most of his family members were assassinated in a military coup. His death remains one of the most tragic chapters in the country’s political history.

Over the years, his birthday has been observed in various ways. The observance became more prominent during the tenure of the Awami League government, when the day was marked with official, political, and social programs. However, the past two years passing without major formal ceremonies.

Educational institutions, political parties, social organizations, and both government and private entities continue to mark the occasion with tributes and discussions. These events often focus on his political life, his sacrifices for independence, and his role as the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary is not just a commemoration of a leader’s life—it stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, national heritage, and enduring spirit. It also serves as an opportunity for younger generations to learn about his vision, leadership, and ideals.