FOBANA widely known as a major gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis in North America
Chhabed Sathee, from Los Angeles: The 40th convention of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), widely known as a major gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis in North America, is poised to make history in Los Angeles. Organizers say preparations for this year’s convention have been somewhat different from previous years, with a special focus on making the event memorable. All preparations have now been completed.
Bangladesh’s Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, will officially inaugurate the convention this Friday evening. Most of the artists, performers, cultural organizers, and FOBANA enthusiasts from different states have already arrived in Los Angeles, while the remaining participants are expected to arrive by Saturday.
The 40th FOBANA Convention is being organized by the Bangladesh Association of California (BAC) in Los Angeles, California, with the goal of achieving a new milestone. Under the theme “Expatriate Bangladesh: With Hope for a Better Future on the Path to Progress,” organizers are expecting an exceptional convention featuring diverse cultural performances and a wide range of programs.
The convention will begin on Friday, September 4, 2026, with an exhibition from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Ballroom Circle. The inauguration ceremony and Cultural Night 1 will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Sierra Ballroom.
On Saturday, September 5, the exhibition will remain open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Ballroom Circle. The Executive Committee meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Salon 6AB.
A Hollywood Red Carpet Lunch is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sierra Ballroom A & B. A medical seminar and free health clinic will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Hiro Room.
A Women’s Empowerment Seminar will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Orchid Room. A poetry session and book fair will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room, while a media discussion with Khaled Muhiuddin will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Salon 6AB.
The day will conclude with Cultural Night 2, scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Sierra Ballroom.
On Sunday, September 6, the exhibition will continue from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Ballroom Circle. The Executive Committee meeting will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Club Room.
A “Semiconductor in the World of AI” seminar is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Hiro Room. The Youth Program will run from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Salon 6AB.
The medical seminar and free health clinic will again be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Hiro Room. The poetry session and book fair will continue from 12:00 p.m. 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.
The convention will conclude with the Closing Ceremony and Cultural Night 3, scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Sierra Ballroom.
A cultural delegation led by popular singers Nakib Khan and Rabi Chowdhury will participate in the cultural programs. Entertaining cultural performances will be held every evening throughout the three-day convention.
The event will also feature several important seminars, poetry gatherings, literary discussions, the FOBANA Book Fair, a youth forum and networking sessions, discussions on NRB businesses and entrepreneurship, scholarship awards for talented young students, handicraft exhibitions, and a colorful fashion show.
Organizers expect approximately 5,000 to 7,000 Bangladeshi expatriates from different states of the United States and Canada to attend the 40th FOBANA Convention in Los Angeles.
Officials of the convention said that despite California being a distant destination for many participants, the event has already set a record in terms of organizational participation. More than 70 organizations have already confirmed their registration.
FOBANA Executive Committee Chairperson Rabiul Karim Belal and Secretary Khaled Ahmed Rauf expressed hope that, if everything proceeds as planned, the artists and performers participating in the September 4–6 convention at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City will break all previous records with their diverse cultural presentations.
Dr. Zainal Abedin, convener of the 40th FOBANA Convention, said nearly all preparations have been completed for the convention, which will be held during the Labor Day weekend from September 4–6 at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City in California.
The Bangladesh Association of California (BAC) is the host organization. More than 100 volunteers working through various subcommittees, along with the host organization and FOBANA Executive Committee, have been working day and night to ensure the success of the convention.
Dr. Abedin said the venue was selected specifically to make this year’s FOBANA a historic event. Universal City in Los Angeles is a major center of the entertainment industry and offers a unique combination of history, modern attractions, and cultural experiences.
Guests and visitors attending the convention will also have the opportunity to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood, including its famous Studio Tour, the magical atmosphere of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the thrilling Fast & Furious ride.
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