Prothom Alo North America marked its 10th anniversary, and CBN TV USA celebrated its 3rd anniversary with a colorful and well-attended event on Friday, June 19, at Astha Palace Restaurant and Party Hall in Forest Hills, New York. The celebration brought together journalists, writers, poets, cultural figures, community leaders, business professionals, and
representatives of numerous social and professional organizations, transforming the evening into a vibrant gathering of the Bangladeshi media community in North America.
The program began at 5:30 p.m. with guests being welcomed with flowers, followed by the screening of a documentary highlighting a decade-long journey of Prothom Alo North America and the three-year evolution of CBN TV USA. The presentation showcased the lives, struggles, achievements, and cultural heritage of Bangladeshi immigrants while reflecting on the role both media organizations have played in documenting and serving the
community.
The formal proceedings opened with a welcome address by Prothom Alo North America Executive Editor Monjurul Haque. The program then took on a distinctly literary atmosphere through poetry recitations, setting an engaging and thoughtful tone for the evening. Rather than lengthy speeches, the event emphasized audience participation, concise presentations, and heartfelt interaction, making the celebration both lively and meaningful.
Speakers observed that as the Bangladeshi community in North America has grown, so has the need for responsible, credible, and professional media. Over the past decade, they noted, Prothom Alo North America has earned the trust of readers by consistently publishing news, analysis, literature, cultural features, and stories highlighting the positive
contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora. Likewise, CBN TV USA has quickly established itself through news coverage, talk shows, interviews, cultural programming, and community-focused broadcasts.
Congratulating Editor Ibrahim Chowdhury and his colleagues, guests praised both organizations for their unwavering commitment to promoting the Bengali language, culture, and journalism abroad. They emphasized that the two institutions have played an important role in preserving Bangladeshi identity while introducing younger generations to the country’s history, values, and cultural heritage.
In his keynote remarks, Editor Ibrahim Chowdhury reflected on the organization’s beginnings, describing Prothom Alo North America as a journey built on a dream, a sense of responsibility, and a commitment to serving the community. He said the publication’s greatest strength over the past ten years has been the unwavering support of its readers,
writers, advertisers, well-wishers, and the broader Bangladeshi community.
He emphasized that journalism extends beyond reporting the news. It also carries the responsibility of inspiring positive social change, building meaningful connections among people, and earning the trust of the community it serves.
Speaking about CBN TV USA, Chowdhury said the television platform was founded with the same vision—to present the lives, achievements, aspirations, and challenges of Bangladeshi immigrants to a broader audience. He reaffirmed the organizations’ commitment to objective journalism, technology-driven news delivery, and continued service to the community.
Former Bangladesh Society President and respected community leader Nargis Ahmed commended Prothom Alo North America for creating a strong platform that has encouraged the active participation of women journalists, writers, and cultural activists. She described the initiative as an important contribution to expanding women’s involvement in journalism and literary activities within the diaspora.
Veteran journalist and Editor of the weekly *Porichoy*, Nazmul Ahsan, praised the publication’s professionalism and organizational strength, remarking that Prothom Alo North America has achieved what many other expatriate media outlets have been unable to accomplish. He also expressed his personal affection and appreciation for the institution.
Abu Taher, Chief Executive Officer of Bangla Patrika and Time TV, said Prothom Alo North America has played a significant role in advancing community journalism across North America and expressed confidence that it would continue to lead in the years ahead.
Veteran community organizer Nasir Khan Paul reflected on his long-standing relationship with the editor and the publication’s team, wishing the organization continued success.
Industrialist Golam Faruk Bhuiyan observed that within just a decade, Prothom Alo North America has earned remarkable credibility, acceptance, and institutional strength. He said its contribution would one day become an important chapter in the history of the Bangladeshi community in North America and applauded the dedication and professionalism of its journalists and staff.
The literary segment featured poetry recitations by Dr. Faruk Azam, Suman Shamsuddin, Kulsum Akter Sumaiya, Shamsun Fauzia, Farida Yasmin, Jebunnesa Jyotsna, Mia Askir, Simu Afroza, Sohana Nazneen, and several other poets and writers, creating an inspiring and culturally rich atmosphere.
Greetings and congratulatory remarks were delivered by Ataur Rahman Selim, President of the New York Bangladesh Society; Vice President Mohiuddin Dewan; community leader Tofayel Chowdhury; Monowarul Islam, President of the New York Bangladesh Press Club; journalists Shamim Shahed, Rahman Mahbub, Adnan Sayeed, Shelly Zaman Khan, Rowshan Haque, Rudra Masud, Dr. Shueb Ahmed, Joynal Abedeen, Rokeya Deepa, Vayla
Salina, Sharifuzzaman Paul, Rashida Kamal, Wahida Shamsun Badhon, Rupa Khanam, Rashida Akter, Saeeda Yasmin, Semu Afroza, Farmis Akter, lyricist Mahfuzur Rahman, ASM Mainuddin Pintu of the Greater Noakhali Society, community organizer Motahar Hossain, Attorney Md. Farhan, Abul Kashem, Dulal Behedu of the Dhaka District Association, Asiya Akter, Salma Ferdous, Ariful Hasan of the Mirsarai Society, writer Nurul Khan, Sukhen Gomez, Bipul Gonzales, and many other distinguished members of the community.
Representatives of numerous social, cultural, and professional organizations presented commemorative plaques and goodwill tokens to Prothom Alo North America and CBN TV USA. Speakers underscored the importance of building an independent, responsible, and
community-centered media landscape for Bangladeshis living abroad while extending their best wishes for the organizations’ continued growth.
The evening concluded with a captivating cultural performance by Zakir Hossain, Shantanu, and their musical ensemble, followed by dinner and informal fellowship. Journalists, writers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders spent the remainder of the evening exchanging ideas and celebrating a decade of shared achievements.
Participants agreed that the event was far more than an anniversary celebration. It was a tribute to a decade of progress in Bangladeshi journalism, literature, culture, and community engagement in North America. Above all, it reaffirmed a collective commitment to strengthening ethical journalism, embracing technological innovation, promoting cultural development, and serving the Bangladeshi diaspora with even greater dedication in the years ahead.
