Three-day gathering brings together thousands of Bangladeshi Americans for culture, community, business and a tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
By Husneara Choudhury | New York
NEW YORK — Thousands of Bangladeshi Americans gathered in Long Island City Friday evening as the 40th Convention of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) opened with a high-energy celebration of Bangladeshi heritage, culture and community.
The three-day convention, hosted by NRB Association USA, runs Sept. 4–6 at the historic Evangel Christian Center. This year’s gathering carries the theme “Bangladesh in Our Consciousness, Bangladesh in Our Hearts” and is dedicated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh.
The opening ceremony began at 7 p.m. with the hoisting of the national flag and the release of balloons, setting the tone for a weekend designed to bring together generations of Bangladeshis living across North America.
FOBANA Central Committee Chairman Zakaria Choudhury and Executive Secretary Dewan Moniruzzaman attended the opening, along with Founding Chairman and Chief Adviser Dr. Nurunnabi, Chief Patron Shafiqul Alam, and 40th FOBANA Host Committee Convener Nurul Amin Babu and Member Secretary Monzur Kader.
The ceremony also drew prominent political, cultural and community figures, including U.S. Awami League President Siddiqur Rahman, former Bangladeshi Youth and Sports Minister Jahid Ahsan Russell MP, former Whip Nazrul Islam Babu MP, National Press Club President Farida Yasmin MP, and other distinguished members of the Bangladeshi-American community.
Music, Memory and a New Generation
One of the most anticipated moments of the opening night was the debut of FOBANA’s official theme song, “Akkhore Sajai Bornomala, Bangabandhur Bangladesh…”
Written by acclaimed children’s author and poet Humayun Kabir Dhali, composed by Ibrar Tipu and performed by Shah Mahbub and Bindukona, the song resonated deeply with the audience, blending national pride, cultural memory and the legacy of Bangladesh’s independence.
The evening also featured a powerful musical drama presented by cultural organization BIPA, directed by Eni Ferdousi and narrated by Maisha. Drawing on the spirit of the Language Movement and the Liberation War, the production offered a dramatic reflection on Bangladesh’s history and cultural identity.
The audience remained largely silent and attentive throughout the performance, which emerged as one of the evening’s most emotional presentations.
Beyond Culture
A special commemorative session examined the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in building a secular and democratic Bangladesh, while also paying tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The cultural celebration continued with performances by acclaimed artists from Bangladesh and abroad, joined by members of the younger generation of Bangladeshi Americans.
The open-to-the-public program attracted attendees from New York and neighboring states, transforming the convention venue into a packed gathering of families, community leaders, artists, professionals and young Bangladeshis.
For many attendees, the convention represented more than a cultural festival. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a shared language, history and identity while celebrating the growing presence of Bangladeshi Americans in North American society.
A Weekend of Community and Connection
Organizers are inviting the wider Bangladeshi-American community to take part in the remaining programs throughout the weekend, including panel discussions, literary sessions, business seminars and cultural performances.
As the 40th FOBANA Convention continues through Sunday, the gathering is poised to serve as a major platform for cultural exchange, community networking and the celebration of Bangladeshi heritage on North American soil.
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