FOBANA to hold 40th convention in the US in September

Bangla Press Desk:   The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) will hold its 40th convention from September 4 to 6 in Orlando, Florida. The organisers announced the programme on Thursday at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

The convention will take place at the Holiday Inn Resort in Orlando and will celebrate four decades of FOBANA’s role in uniting Bangladeshi communities across North America.Leaders of FOBANA’s central committee and the host committee attended the press conference. Among them were FOBANA Chairman Zahid Hossain, Vice Chairman Ziaul Haque Zia, former chairman Bedarul Islam Babul and Executive Editor Nihal Rahim.

Host committee members included President Mohammad Shamim, Vice Presidents Atikur Rahman, Anwar Hossain Santu, Shams Ahmed Shobhan and Jason Chowdhury. Mohammad Ishaq Ali served as convener of the finance committee, while Helal Ahmed led the management committee, with Rezaul Haque Reza as co-convener.

Speakers described the upcoming convention as particularly significant, as it will mark FOBANA’s 40-year journey. They said the organisation has long played a key role in preserving cultural identity, fostering unity among expatriate Bangladeshis, developing leadership and strengthening international engagement.

Organisers said FOBANA has served as a strong platform for the Bangladeshi diaspora since its inception and has grown into an international gathering that brings together culture, leadership, youth development, business networking and global cooperation.

The 40th convention will draw community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, cultural activists and young leaders from North America, Bangladesh and other countries.

Key attractions will include a colourful opening ceremony marking FOBANA’s 40th anniversary, cultural performances showcasing Bangladesh’s heritage, leadership dialogues, youth and next-generation leadership development programmes, business and investment networking sessions, women’s participation and empowerment initiatives, and exhibitions of Bangladeshi cuisine and culture.

Organisers said the convention will go beyond celebration and serve as a platform to shape future directions and strengthen international cooperation.

They added that the 40th FOBANA Convention 2026 aims to promote cultural exchange, expand international business collaboration and contribute to global tourism development.

The organisers said the event will help Bangladeshi entrepreneurs access international markets, enable professionals and business leaders to build global partnerships, and allow artists and cultural organisations to present Bangladesh’s heritage to a global audience. Youth participants will also gain leadership development and international networking opportunities.

Calling on the media for support, organisers said media coverage will play a vital role in conveying the message of the convention at home and abroad and encouraging active participation from business leaders, cultural organisations, young people and community representatives.

BP/SP