Twenty-Six Years Alongside FOBANA
Chhabed Sathee
Some journeys cannot be measured by the pages of a calendar. They are measured by memories, the affection of people, and the test of time. To me, the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) is one such journey. What began as a professional acquaintance while covering community news gradually evolved into an inseparable chapter of my life as a journalist.
My journey with FOBANA began in 2000, when I attended my first FOBANA Convention at the historic Madison Square Garden in New York as a young reporter. Armed with nothing more than a notebook, a camera slung over my shoulder, and an endless sense of curiosity, I had no idea that my first assignment would become the beginning of a remarkable twenty-six-year journey. Cities have changed, host organizations have changed, leadership has changed, and time itself has changed. Yet the passion and emotional connection that Bangladeshi immigrants share with FOBANA have remained steadfast.
From September 4 to 6, 2026, FOBANA will celebrate its 40th Convention at the Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, California. Forty years is more than a milestone for an organization—it is a testament to history, perseverance, experience, struggle, and achievement. It is the story of a community that has continued to grow while preserving its identity across generations.
Throughout these years, I have witnessed moments of celebration and moments of sorrow. I have seen the enthusiasm of thousands of participants, as well as the tensions born of differing opinions. Convention halls have echoed with applause, while hallways have often been filled with passionate debates. Yet beneath every disagreement has always existed one common identity: we are Bangladeshis, united by our shared heritage despite our differences.
As a journalist, my responsibility has never been to take sides, but to report events as truthfully and objectively as possible. I have written words of praise when they were deserved, and I have asked difficult questions when circumstances demanded them. Journalism is not about pleasing individuals; it is about remaining accountable to the truth. At times my reporting has made some uncomfortable, while others have found their own voices reflected in my words. I have always believed that informed, constructive criticism is not an enemy of any institution—it is often the catalyst that helps it mature and become stronger.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted not only the world but also the organizations that bind our communities together. FOBANA was no exception. The post-pandemic years brought questions about leadership, direction, and the organization's future. During those difficult times, I chose not to remain a silent observer. I wrote what I witnessed, verified the facts, and presented what I believed was in the best interest of the community. Looking back today, I realize that my pen became my greatest strength, while the pursuit of truth remained my greatest source of courage.
Over the past twenty-six years, I have had the privilege of meeting countless individuals. I have watched many rise to positions of leadership and others gracefully pass the torch to a new generation. Some of those remarkable people are no longer with us, yet their contributions remain permanently woven into FOBANA's history. At the same time, a younger generation has emerged with fresh ideas, new aspirations, and renewed energy. That continuity is the hallmark of every vibrant and enduring institution.
To me, FOBANA has never been merely a three-day convention. It represents the sound of the Bengali language spoken with pride in a foreign land; the melodies of Rabindra Sangeet; the spirit of Kazi Nazrul Islam; the red-and-green flag of Bangladesh; the longing for the taste of a mother's home-cooked meal; the joy of embracing old friends after years apart; and the enduring determination to keep Bangladesh alive in our hearts, even thousands of miles away from home.
As FOBANA enters its fourth decade, unity is more important than ever. Differences of opinion are both natural and healthy; they are the foundation of every democratic organization. But disagreements should never evolve into divisions. Individuals are temporary, institutions endure, and the interests of the community must always rise above personal ambitions.
I envision a FOBANA where the wisdom of experienced leaders and the innovation of younger generations work hand in hand; where women assume even greater leadership roles; where young professionals find new opportunities; where transparency and technology strengthen governance; and where every Bangladeshi living in North America proudly considers FOBANA to be their own organization.
May the upcoming Los Angeles Convention mark the beginning of another inspiring chapter. Let there be differences of opinion, but not division; healthy competition, but not hostility; spirited debate, but always grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to moving forward together.
My relationship with FOBANA extends far beyond journalism. It is an emotional bond shaped by shared experiences, triumphs and setbacks, celebrations and controversies. For twenty-six years, I have remained a quiet witness to the organization's evolution. That experience gives me confidence that FOBANA will continue to transform the lessons of its past into the strength of its future, becoming an even more inclusive, dynamic, and influential institution for the Bangladeshi community across North America.
Looking back, twenty-six years seem to have passed in the blink of an eye. Yet every convention, every headline, every conversation, and every familiar face remains vividly etched in my memory. There have been joyful moments and painful ones alike. That is why I can say with conviction that I have stood beside FOBANA through both its triumphs and its trials for the past twenty-six years—and I hope to continue doing so in the years ahead.
Chhabed Sathee is a U.S.-based author, journalist, and American political analyst. He is the Editor of Bangla Press.
