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.

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has warned against attempts to undermine social unity and create divisions in the United States, calling for collective efforts against forces of hatred and evil. “Evil forces have not stopped. Durga Puja has arrived with a resolve to stand united against the forces of evil,” Mamdani said.

He made the remarks Tuesday evening while addressing the closing ceremony of Durga Puja celebrations organized by the Bangladeshi community at Om Shakti Temple in Jackson Heights, Queens. The mayor was welcomed at the temple by its founder, Gouranga Kundu; temple committee president Swarup Saha; and general secretary Bhavatosh Pal. He was then presented with a traditional uttariya, a ceremonial shawl.

This year, Bangladeshi communities organized Durga Puja celebrations at 18 venues across New York City, including Times Square and locations in Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island. Mamdani said Goddess Durga symbolizes the destruction of evil and the triumph of good. Inspired by this belief, Bangladeshi Hindus gathered to celebrate the festival with hopes for peace and prosperity.

He also praised the contributions of Bangladeshi Hindus to the city’s multicultural identity, saying their role in making New York more vibrant and prosperous would be remembered. Other speakers at the event included attorney Ashok Karmakar, Professor Dwijen Bhattacharya, City Council Member Shekar Krishnan and one of the event’s organizers, Dinesh Majumdar.

Majumdar said events of this kind were essential to presenting Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of Bengali Hindus, to an international audience. He added that the growing popularity of Durga Puja celebrations at Times Square reflected this ambition.