Chhabed Sathee, Back from Atlanta: The three-day 39th FOBANA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia ended amid severe mismanagement, irregularities, and endless harassment of attendees. Due to negligence by the organizers, the program on Saturday night was abruptly shut down by order of the Gwinnett County Fire Marshal after the audience far exceeded the venue’s capacity. Even ticket-holding attendees were denied entry.
On Sunday evening, strict security restrictions at the entrance left attendees stranded. This was unprecedented in the 38-year history of FOBANA conventions. The wider Georgia community showed no response to the event, and due to lack of participation, frustration spread among expatriates. Many accused Convenor and local BNP leader Nahidul Khan Sahel of turning this year’s FOBANA into a family gathering.
Although the event took place in Duluth—35 miles away from Atlanta—organizers promoted it as the “Atlanta Convention,” which puzzled many. The inauguration was held on Friday, August 29, at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. Convenor Nahidul Khan Sahel formally declared the convention open. Distinguished guests included Chowdhury Ashiq Bin Harun, Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Burt Jones, Lt. Governor of Georgia; Salahuddin Mahmud, Charge d’Affaires of Bangladesh; Seheli Sabrin, Consul General of Bangladesh in Miami; Georgia Senators Sheikh Rahman, Nabilah Islam, Shelly Herald, and Josh McClain; Hasan Tarek Dip, Chairman of Georgia Fire; and several FOBANA leaders including Member Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, Secretary General Abir Alamgir, Executive Committee Chair Masud Rob Chowdhury, Host Business Committee Chair Duke Khan, Kazi Nahid, Chief Coordinator M. Dilu Mowla, and others.
The opening began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, followed by discussions highlighting the unity of expatriate Bangladeshis and the importance of preserving language and heritage for future generations.
The first day saw a large turnout from across North America, with the venue transformed into a little Bangladesh. But on the second day (Saturday, August 30), the event was prematurely shut down due to overcrowding. Many scheduled performers were unable to perform that evening and instead appeared on Sunday afternoon.
Organizers admitted they had never seen such overwhelming attendance before. However, in response, they enforced strict security on Sunday, effectively confining audiences at the gates.
Saturday’s main highlight was a business networking seminar with Bangladeshi and U.S. entrepreneurs, where BIDA Chairman Ashiq Bin Harun, as keynote speaker, urged investment in Bangladesh’s various sectors.
Started in Washington, D.C. in 1987, the FOBANA convention is known as a cultural gathering of the Bangladeshi diaspora. This year’s program included cultural performances, seminars on diaspora issues, literature sessions, plays, folk and modern music, fashion shows, and children’s programs. Bangladeshi and international artists, journalists, writers, and politicians were among the guests, making the event lively despite the chaos.
The three-day convention also featured Bangladeshi food, clothing, jewelry, and book fairs, giving the atmosphere of a mini-Bangladesh. Organizers claimed the event would strengthen cultural bonds among expatriates and connect younger generations to their heritage.
Special services from the Bangladesh Consulate General were available, including passport renewal, e-passport, and NID assistance, organized by the Bangladesh Association of Georgia. The host organization for this year’s convention was the Atlanta-based literary and cultural group Bangla Dhara.
The main theme was “Perspectives of the Diaspora Generation and Bangladesh in Globalization.” Topics included social issues (human rights, socio-political aspects), health and wellness, technology (engineering, science, AI), education and career, climate and sustainability, economy and business, as well as culture and heritage.
At the end of the business networking seminar, 17 distinguished contributors—including Dr. Naeem Basar, an Atlanta-based Bangladeshi dentist—were honored with “Proud Sponsors & Contributors Awards” for their contributions to FOBANA and the community.
The 39th FOBANA, however, left many expatriates disappointed due to mismanagement and accusations of nepotism. Convenor Nahidul Khan Sahel, Member Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan, Host Business Chair Duke Khan, and Chief Coordinator Dilu Mowla—all controversial figures with various allegations—reportedly involved their own relatives, employees, and families in the event, causing outrage.The next (40th) FOBANA Convention will be held in Los Angeles, California, in 2026.
Belal elected new FOBANA Chairperson, Khaled as Executive Secretary
The new executive committee of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) has been announced. For the one-year term of 2025–26, Rabiul Karim Belal (Philadelphia) has been elected as Chairperson (President) and Khaled Ahmed Rouf (Chicago) as Executive Secretary.
Just three days before the FOBANA convention, on Tuesday (August 26), members of around 64 organizations cast their votes online through electronic voting.
Under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner Mohammed Mahbub Reza Rahim, the electronic voting was conducted smoothly. The Election Commission stated that the election was carried out democratically and in full compliance with the bylaws.
According to the official results announced by the Chief Election Commissioner:
Rabiul Karim (Belal) won the Chairperson post with 31 votes, defeating his closest rival Mohammed Dilu Mowla, who secured 30 votes. Mohammed M. Rahman (Zahir) was elected Vice Chairperson with 38 votes, defeating Abir Alamgir (23 votes). Khaled Ahmed Rouf was elected Executive Secretary with 39 votes, defeating Babul Hai (22 votes).
Anthony Pius Gomes was elected Joint Executive Secretary with 28 votes, narrowly defeating Dr. Pryalal Karmakar (27 votes) and MZ Asif I. Khan (6 votes).Mohin Uddin Dulal was elected Treasurer with 34 votes, defeating Shamsuddin Mahmud (20 votes) and Syed Ahsan (Koko) (7 votes).
In addition, Dr. Muhammad Ali (Manik) was elected as an Outstanding Member with 60 votes. Other Outstanding Members are:
Mohammed Arefin Babul – 59 votes (Winner), Jashim Uddin – 57 votes (Winner), Sham Sudduha (Sagor) – 54 votes (Winner), Nurul Amin – 49, votes (Winner), Abu M. Rumi – 46 votes (Winner), Dr. Abdus Mohammad Sattar – 41 votes (Winner), Among the listed organizations, the following were elected as Executive Member Organizations:
Bangladesh American Society of Greater Houston (Imtiaz Ahmed Pavel) – 56 votes, Bangladesh Association of Greater Washington DC (Rokshana Perven) – 55 votes, Drama Circle, New York (Kanta Alamgir) – 55 votes, Bangladesh Association of Florida Inc. (Shafiqul Islam Jewel) – 52 votes, Maryland Friends and Family (Mohammed Kazal) – 52 votes, Bangladesh Theater Houston (Nahida Naser Yasmin) – 50 votes, Friends and Family DMV Inc. (Akhter Hossain) – 49 votes, Friends and Family Houston (Nadim Bhuiyan) – 48 votes, Bangladesh Association of Greater Kansas City (Rehan Reza) – 48 votes,Oporajeo Bangla, Inc. (Shampa Banik) – 48 votes, US Bangla Association of GA (Kazi Nahid) – 46 votes, Bangladesh Association of Michigan BAM (Jabed Chowdhury) – 46 votes, Bangladesh Association Houston (M. Azmal A. Khan) – 45 votes, Bangladesh Association of North Texas (BANT), (Hasmat Mobin) – 44 votes, Bangladesh Foundation of Georgia (Shakira Ali Bacchi) – 40 votes, Friends and Family (Sumsun Rumi) – 38 votes, Bangladesh Mela Inc. (Tawfiq S. Khan Tuhin) – 38 votes, Bangladesh American Foundation of Central Florida (Saif Chowdhury Nantu) – 33 votes, Bangladesh Association of America Inc. (BAAI), (Dilshad Chowdhury Chhuty) – 31 votes, Bangladesh American Association of Georgia (Farzana Uddin) – 28 votes, Sundarban (Karim Salauddin) – 26 votes, Bangladesh Cultural Society of Georgia (Mamunur Chowdhury Tarun) – 24 votes, Prio Bangla (Damian Dias) – 24 votes. All were elected as Executive Members of FOBANA’s new committee.
Even 39 years, No seating arrangements for Journalists at FOBANA Convention
Even after 39 years, the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) Convention has not arranged a designated seating area for journalists. Reporters, photographers, and videographers are forced to carry out their duties mostly while standing. If any of them take seats in the first or second rows, they are often asked to leave—either politely or by security personnel. Despite this issue being raised with the authorities every year, it has always been ignored.
On the second day of the convention, Saturday (August 30), in Atlanta, Georgia, 39th FOBANA Convention member secretary Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiya asked a journalist to vacate his chair and move elsewhere. Later, that journalist had to sit on the corridor floor to continue working. Organizers appeared more concerned with accommodating sponsors than recognizing the role of the press. At one point, another staff member even asked a sponsor from Virginia to vacate his seat, stating that only sponsors who had contributed over $10,000 were entitled to those chairs. The sponsor objected, saying, ‘I am a sponsor as well,‘ but was eventually forced to leave without further dispute.
Also, on Saturday (August 30), the program was shut down earlier than scheduled due to the hall being overcrowded beyond capacity. FOBANA officials, police, and security personnel were compelled to close the program ahead of time. Officials announced that the artists whose performances were canceled on the second day would perform on Sunday instead.
According to FOBANA officials, such an overwhelming turnout of audiences had never been seen before. On Sunday, special measures would be taken to control the crowd. The third day’s program is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will feature Pritom along with other renowned artists. The 39th FOBANA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, began on Friday (August 29) and will conclude at midnight on Sunday (August 31).
Mohamed Alamgir honored with FOBANA’s prestigious outstanding service award
Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), the largest Bangladeshi community network across the United States and Canada, has conferred its prestigious Outstanding Service Award on Attorney Mohamed Alamgir. With more than 80 member organizations and over 60,000 members, this honor is reserved for individuals whose service has left a lasting imprint on the community.
Attorney Alamgir’s record of leadership and compassion set him apart. He was a driving force behind the historic Houston Accord, which brought long-divided groups into unity and renewed FOBANA’s mission. As a senior advisor, he has been a voice of wisdom, urging cooperation among organizations and inspiring them to act in times of greatest need. Under his steady guidance, FOBANA has mobilized relief for natural disasters, extended support during the COVID-19 crisis, and provided aid to struggling families both in North America and Bangladesh.
Beyond crisis response, he has championed education for young people, creating scholarships and opportunities that have changed countless futures. As Chairman, he led his host committee to achieve the highest fundraising results in FOBANA’s history. He also strengthened ties between the Bangladeshi and U.S. governments, ensuring Bangladesh’s official presence at FOBANA conventions and elevating the organization’s profile on the world stage.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the affection and respect Mohamed Alamgir commands. He is not only admired for his accomplishments but dearly loved by colleagues, community leaders, and families who see in him a rare combination of humility and strength. His legacy is one of unity, service, and visionary impact, a legacy that continues to inspire all who know him.
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.] BP/CS
