New York Correspondent: The newly elected committee of the America-Bangladesh Press Club (ABPC), an organization of journalists working in print and electronic media in the United States, held a colorful inauguration ceremony on January 31. The ceremony began with the performance of the national anthems of Bangladesh and America at the Gulshan Terence Party Hall in Woodside, New York City. In addition to members of the Press Club family, more than a hundred Bangladeshis from various professions, including editors of various newspapers and television stations, journalists, businessmen, politicians, lawyers, poets, writers, and cultural and social activists, were present at the ceremony.
In addition to the inauguration of the newly elected committee for the 2025-26 term, popular singers Chandan Chowdhury, Lina Sabrina, Nazu Akhand, Krishna Tithi, and Abhik Raj performed. Nazmul Huda, Consul General of the Bangladesh Consulate in New York, and Shahnewaz, editor of Ajkal newspaper and prominent businessman attended as guest of the event.
The speakers urged the expatriate Bangladeshis to be alert and aware of the current situation in the United States, and said that the media should publish accurate information about the ongoing situation. The media should play a responsible role in publishing news that creates panic among immigrants. They also said that the rule of law is established in the United States. No organization can take any action by violating the law. However, immigrants should be careful not to violate the law or commit any crime. There are no problems for legal immigrants.
At the beginning of the program, the former and current presidents of the Press Club, general secretary, leaders of the new committee and chief guests took their seats on the stage. President of America Bangladesh Press Club Shawkat Osman Rachi gave a welcome speech at the beginning of the program. In addition, the program was addressed by President of New York Bangladesh Society Ataur Rahman Selim, Attorney Moin Chowdhury, CEO of Utsab Group Raihan Zaman, Editor of Prothom Alo North America Ibrahim Chowdhury Khokon, former president of America Bangladesh Press Club and editor of Saptahik Probas Patrika Mohammad Sayeed, former president and editor of Deshkanth Darpan Kabir, current general secretary Mashiur Rahman Majumder, former general secretary Manjurul Haque Manju, joint editor Abu Bakar Siddique, CEO of Bangla Channel and Ruposhi Bangla editor Shah J Chowdhury, among others.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of the late A. Hye Swapan, a former member of the Press Club. After the discussion, the executive committee and general members of the America Bangladesh Press Club took part in a photo session.
The cultural program began with poetry recitation by young children Parna Saha, Bhasha Saha, and violin performance by Pragg Saha. Then, music was performed by Anik Raj, Lini Sabrin, Krishna Tithi, Naju Akand, and Chandan Chowdhury.
