Veteran expatriate journalist Monowarul Islam has been honored with a U.S. Congressional Recognition at a ceremony held in New York on Friday. The award was presented to him by influential Congresswoman Grace Meng.
The event was attended by Bangladesh’s Consul General in New York Mozammel Haque, Press Secretary of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington Golam Mortuza, as well as journalists and community leaders from the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Speakers at the event praised Monowarul Islam’s long and distinguished career in journalism, along with his contributions to the expatriate community.
Congresswoman Grace Meng stated that the recognition was awarded in appreciation of his decades of dedication to journalism and his commitment to serving the community.
Monowarul Islam previously worked with several prominent Bangladeshi media outlets, including Daily Ajker Kagoj, Banglabazar Patrika, and Manabzamin. He also served as an elected General Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity and was one of the founding members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association.
He is currently serving as Contributing Editor for the weekly publication Ajkal, published from New York.
On the same occasion, the new executive committee of the New York Bangladesh Press Club was inaugurated, and journalist Momin Majumder was also awarded a Congressional Recognition. The program was held at Gulshan Terrace in New York.
Speakers highlighted that ethnic journalism, despite various challenges, continues to play a vital role in serving and representing immigrant communities.
In the second part of the event, the “Fazle Rashid Memorial Award” was presented in honor of the late Fazle Rashid.
This year’s award was given to senior journalist, writer, translator, and advisor of the club, Anwar Hossain Manju, who is also an advisor to Saptahik Bangladesh.
The award was handed over by club founding president Mahbubur Rahman, acting editor of Saptahik Thikana M.M. Shaheen, editor of Saptahik Bangladesh Dr. Wazed A Khan, editor of Ajkal Shah Nawaz, editor of Saptahik Bornomala Mahfuzur Rahman, editor of Saptahik Prothom Alo Ibrahim Chowdhury Khokon, and advisor Taser Khan Mahmud.
Prior to the presentation, Sheikh Sirajul Islam, former vice president and executive member of the club, read a brief biography of Anwar Hossain Manju. Leaders of Bangladesh Society—including President Ataur Rahman Selim and General Secretary Mominul Islam Majumder—were also present.
The program concluded with the introduction of the new executive committee for 2026–2027, along with remarks by Chief Election Commissioner Moinuddin Naser. Election commissioners ABM Salehuddin and Mohammad Kajol also delivered greetings.
