Expatriates’ Minister Ariful Urges Bangladeshis Abroad to Preserve Bangla Culture

Chhabed Sathee, from Los Angeles: Bangladesh’s Minister of Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, has called on expatriate Bangladeshis to continue practicing and promoting Bangla culture for the younger generations growing up abroad.

He said the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) Convention has played a unique role in preserving Bangla culture among the new generation in the diaspora. He thanked FOBANA leaders and organizers for maintaining this tradition for the past 40 years.

Minister Chowdhury made the remarks while delivering his speech as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 40th FOBANA Convention on Friday evening, September 4, local time, at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in California.

The minister said expatriate Bangladeshis are not only contributors to the country’s economy through remittances but also important ambassadors and custodians of Bangla literature and culture on foreign soil.

He urged Bangladeshis living abroad to introduce Bangladesh’s proud history, heritage and culture to people in their host countries and to ensure that younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots.

Minister Chowdhury also encouraged expatriates to invest in Bangladesh, assuring them that the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment would provide all possible assistance to prospective investors. He advised expatriates facing investment-related difficulties to contact him directly for assistance.

Following his remarks, Minister Chowdhury formally inaugurated the 40th FOBANA Convention in Los Angeles, a major gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis in North America.

Among those attending the opening ceremony were Bangladeshi-American community leaders, social workers, mainstream political figures, prominent personalities, artists, journalists, executives of various organizations, sponsors and FOBANA officials.

FOBANA Executive Committee Chairperson Rabiul Karim Belal, Secretary Khaled Ahmed Rouf, Convention Convener Dr. Zainal Abedin, President Moazzem Chowdhury, Executive Secretary Engineer Mohammad Iqbal, Media Committee Chairman Laskar Al Mamun, former Chairperson Masud Chowdhury Rob, Attorney Mohammad Alamgir, Rehan Reza, former Convener Hasmat Mobin, Nargis Ahmed, Jasim Uddin, Duke Khan, Executive Committee Treasurer Mahin Uddin Dulal, Joint General Secretary Anthony Gomez Pius and sponsor Abu Hanif were among those present.

The first day concluded with cultural performances featuring Vabna, Apollo, Puley Bala, Kutubi, Urmi Ather, Mitali, Simmi and Rituparna, followed by a band performance.

Saturday’s Program

On Saturday, September 5, the Exhibition Ballroom Circle will remain open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Executive Committee (EC) meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Salon 6AB.

The Hollywood Red Carpet Lunch will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Sierra Ballrooms A and B. A medical seminar and free healthcare clinic will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Hero Room.

A Women’s Empowerment Seminar is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Orchid Room, while poetry readings and the book fair will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room. A media discussion with Khaled Muhiuddin will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Salon 6AB.

The second cultural evening will run from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Sierra Ballroom.

Sunday’s Program

On Sunday, September 6, the Exhibition Ballroom Circle will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Executive Committee meeting will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Club Room.

A seminar on AI and semiconductors in the global landscape will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Hero Room. The youth program will run from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Salon 6AB.

A medical seminar and free healthcare clinic will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Hero Room. Poetry readings and the book fair will take place from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Orchid Room, followed by the US BBF Seminar from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the same venue.

The closing ceremony and third cultural evening will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Sierra Ballroom.

The three-day convention will feature cultural performances each evening. Other highlights include seminars on important contemporary issues, poetry sessions, literary discussions, the FOBANA Book Fair, youth forums and networking opportunities, NRB business and investment discussions, scholarship awards for talented young students, handicraft exhibitions and colorful fashion shows.

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