Musammad M Tamanna from USA 

The 40th edition of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) Convention kicked off across four major North American cities on Friday (Sept  4), with participants resolving to showcase Bangladeshi culture and heritage in a multicultural society and enhance the country's image abroad.

The three-day convention is taking place simultaneously in New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, and Toronto.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury inaugurated the Los Angeles chapter of the convention at the Hilton Hotel ballroom in Universal City. In New York, freedom fighter and scientist Dr. Nuru Nabi inaugurated the event at the Evangel Church auditorium in Long Island City.

Meanwhile, the Orlando segment commenced with a dinner arranged by the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida, while the Toronto chapter opened at the Don Valley Hotel and Suites, where world-renowned magician Jewel Aich was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Addressing the inaugural session in Los Angeles as the chief guest, Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury highlighted the contribution of expatriates not only as "remittance warriors" but also as ambassadors of Bangla literature and culture.

He urged non-resident Bangladeshis to present the country's rich history to the international community and encourage the younger generation to practice Bangla culture. He also invited expatriates to invest in Bangladesh, assuring full institutional support from his ministry.

In New York, the convention opened with dance and musical performances depicting the history of Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, performed by US-born artists from the cultural organization BIPA. Tributes were paid to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to whose memory this segment of the conference was dedicated.

Organized under the coordination of Zakaria Chowdhury and Convener Nurul Amin Babu, the New York event was addressed by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artist Rathindranath Roy , US Awami League President Dr  Siddiqur Rahman, former MPs Nazrul Islam Babu and Zahid Ahsan Russel, former MP and  National Press Club President Farida Yasmin  and main sponsor Shafiul Alam Shafiq, among others.

Despite the grand festivities across the four cities, several attendees noted that organizational divisions have weakened FOBANA’s collective impact over the years. Established in 1987 to uphold the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi expatriates in North America, the platform has split into four separate factions, leading to a decline in enthusiasm among community members.

The three-day convention features cultural performances by organizations from various US and Canadian cities, along with seminars and symposia on contemporary issues. Famous artists, actors, and musicians—including Pori Moni, Liza, Imran Mahmudul, Dinat Jahan Munni, Kona, Doly Sayontoni, and Akhi Alamgir—are scheduled to perform across the various venues.