Executive Secretary, Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA)
Many things change with time. Cities change, people change, technology evolves, and the scope and aspirations of an organization grow. Yet some memories never fade. Instead, they become more meaningful with each passing year.
For me, FOBANA is one such name—one that carries more than three decades of memories, affection, friendship, commitment, and a continuing effort to keep Bangladesh alive in the hearts of those living far from their homeland.
Looking at FOBANA today, it may be difficult for many to imagine how we once learned about its annual conventions. There was no Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, or social media capable of delivering information to thousands of people within seconds.
Back then, the FOBANA Convention was only a two-day event. For those interested in knowing where and when it would take place, one of the primary sources of information was advertisements published in New York-based Bengali weekly newspapers.
It was through one of those newspaper advertisements that I learned about the 1992 FOBANA Convention in Chicago and decided to attend for the first time.
At the time, I could never have imagined that the simple decision to attend a convention after seeing a newspaper advertisement would lead to a journey with FOBANA lasting more than three decades.
I still remember the atmosphere of that Chicago convention. Bangladeshis living far from their homeland and scattered across North America came together under one roof. They spoke Bengali, enjoyed Bengali music and celebrated their heritage and culture.
For a brief moment, it felt as though we had rediscovered Bangladesh on foreign soil.
That was the beginning of my journey with FOBANA.
Since then, many years have passed. Conventions have been held in different cities, new faces have emerged, and leadership has changed from one generation to another. Over time, FOBANA itself has grown significantly. What was once a relatively small two-day convention has evolved into one of the largest cultural and organizational gatherings of Bangladeshis in North America. And with each passing year, my involvement with FOBANA has become deeper.
I first came to FOBANA simply as an attendee. Years later, having the opportunity to serve the same organization in a leadership capacity has become a particularly meaningful chapter of my life.
For the past two years, I served as Joint Executive Secretary of the FOBANA Executive Committee. That responsibility gave me an opportunity to see the organization from a much closer perspective.
I came to understand how much planning, sacrifice, teamwork and countless sleepless nights lie behind the bright lights of a successful three-day convention.
Today, I have the honor of serving as Executive Secretary of FOBANA, and I am working at full pace with a large team to make the 40th FOBANA Convention in Los Angeles, California, a success.
To me, this is much more than an organizational position. When I look back at the journey that began with my first convention in 1992 and consider where I am today, this responsibility carries a profound sense of honor, emotion and commitment.
The Bangladesh Association of California (BAC) is hosting the 40th FOBANA Convention. The host organization and the FOBANA Executive Committee are working together to present a memorable convention.
More than 100 members and volunteers serving on various subcommittees are working day and night to make the event successful. Some are involved in program planning, others in cultural activities and guest coordination, while many are working behind the scenes on communications, publicity and other organizational responsibilities.
Watching this enormous collective effort reminds me again and again of an important truth: FOBANA does not belong to any one individual. It is the product of the dedication, talent, sacrifice and love of countless people.
Our goal is to ensure that the 40th FOBANA Convention is not remembered as simply another annual gathering. We want it to become a milestone in FOBANA’s four-decade history.
That vision was also an important consideration in selecting this year’s venue.
Universal City in Los Angeles is internationally recognized as a major center of the entertainment industry. It offers a unique combination of history, modern attractions, entertainment and cultural experiences, drawing visitors from around the world.
It is in this vibrant international setting that we will celebrate the 40th FOBANA Convention.
In addition to attending the convention, our guests and visitors will have the opportunity to experience nearby Universal Studios Hollywood, including its famous Studio Tour, the magical atmosphere of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and exciting Fast & Furious attractions.
We want those attending this year’s FOBANA to remember it not merely as a convention, but as a complete and memorable experience.
Sometimes I think back to 1992. I discovered the Chicago FOBANA Convention through an advertisement in a Bengali weekly newspaper.
Today, an announcement can reach thousands of people across the world within seconds. FOBANA news now travels instantly through social media, online newspapers, videos and digital platforms.
How dramatically times have changed. Yet one thing has remained unchanged—the deep emotional connection that expatriate Bangladeshis have with FOBANA.
People still travel long distances with their families to attend the convention. They reunite with old friends, make new ones and introduce their children to Bengali music, dance, literature, language and culture. For a few days, they reconnect with their roots.
To me, that remains one of FOBANA’s greatest achievements.
Having witnessed FOBANA’s evolution for more than three decades, I have seen its achievements as well as its challenges and limitations. That is natural for any living and growing organization.
Our responsibility is to learn from the past and move forward.
I want to see a FOBANA where the experience of our senior generations is combined with the ideas, energy and technological skills of our younger generation. I envision a FOBANA where the institution is greater than any individual, where the interests of the community are more important than titles and positions, and where differences of opinion never destroy the foundation of our unity.
Leadership will change. Times will change. The cities hosting our conventions will change. But FOBANA must continue from generation to generation.
Today, when I look back, I see a long road stretching from the 1992 convention in Chicago to the 40th FOBANA Convention in Los Angeles in 2026. Then, I was an enthusiastic attendee. Today, I serve as Executive Secretary.
Between those two moments lie more than three decades of memories, friendships, service and a deep personal bond with FOBANA.
The journey that began in Chicago has now brought me to Los Angeles—but the journey does not end here.
My hope is that the 40th FOBANA Convention will honor the achievements of our past while opening a new door to the future. We want to pass on to the next generation a FOBANA that is stronger, more united and more inclusive—an enduring home for the history, heritage, culture and identity of Bangladeshis across North America.
Because to me, FOBANA is more than a convention—it is a lifelong journey of rediscovering Bangladesh far from home.
*Copyright 2026 Bangla Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
BP/SM
