Authors and speakers examine Muhammad Yunus’s role and public image at a New York event attended by members of the Bangladeshi diaspora
By Special Correspondent | New York
JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY — The book THE YUNUS FILES: UNMASKING A FAKE SAINT, authored by Aminul Haque Palash and Prabir Bidhan, was officially launched in New York on Friday, October 23, 2026, drawing members of the Bangladeshi diaspora for an evening of political discussion and critical analysis.
Organized by Nalanda Publications, the book launch took place at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, located at 37-06 77th Street. The event brought together writers, journalists, educators, cultural figures and community members interested in Bangladesh’s contemporary political and social landscape.
Veteran journalist Fazlur Rahman presided over the program. Tajul Imam, described by the organizers as a son of the soil of Bangladesh, attended as the chief guest. Poet and analyst Hasan Al Abdullah served as the principal discussant.
Drawing on selected passages from the book, Hasan Al Abdullah discussed the authors’ critical assessment of Muhammad Yunus, focusing on his international public image and his role in Bangladesh’s political and social developments. His remarks reflected the book’s central argument that Yunus’s widely recognized international reputation deserves closer examination.
Special guest and freedom fighter Golam Miraj spoke about what he characterized as neglect, humiliation and mistreatment of freedom fighters during Yunus’s tenure. Awami League leaders Pradip Kar and Mohammad Ali Siddiqui also delivered critical remarks concerning Yunus’s political outlook and activities.
Aminul Haque Palash, one of the book’s co-authors, joined the event virtually and discussed the motivation behind writing the book, its objectives and his personal assessment of the issues addressed.
Educator and social activist Hossneara Begum presented an overview of the book’s contents and examined its relevance to the contemporary political context. Author and children’s literature writer Humayun Kabir Dhali discussed the legacy of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic March 7 speech and recent political developments.
Journalist and writer Shibbir Ahmed reviewed various aspects of Yunus’s past activities, while poet and filmmaker Rowshan Ara Nipa offered a chapter-by-chapter analytical perspective on selected themes in the book.
Other attendees included Sirajul Islam, Amanul Islam, Shawkat Akbar, Manzur Talukdar, Rashid Abedin, Salma Begum, Rumana Akter, Farhin Shah and Jalal Uddin, along with other members of New York’s Bangladeshi community.
Representing Nalanda Publications, publisher Redwanur Rahman Jewel thanked the attendees for their participation. The program was moderated by poet and short-story writer Naznin Simin.
Speakers expressed hope that the book would encourage readers to examine contemporary political narratives, revisit historical questions and engage in further discussion about Bangladesh’s political trajectory.
According to the organizers, THE YUNUS FILES: UNMASKING A FAKE SAINT seeks to scrutinize Muhammad Yunus’s international image, public activities and various roles through the authors’ research and analysis.
The event concluded with refreshments for guests and attendees.
Note: Critical allegations and political assessments in this report are attributed to the speakers and the book’s authors; they should not be understood as independently verified findings.
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