Staff Correspondent: The Jalalabad Association of America Inc., one of the leading social organisations representing people from greater Sylhet living in the United States, hosted its much-anticipated ‘Summer Bash’ in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

The event brought together Bangladeshi expatriates from Sylhet and their families, creating a lively gathering aimed at preserving cultural traditions, strengthening community bonds and promoting friendship and harmony among the expatriate community.

The programme was organised under the overall leadership of Association President Moinul Islam and General Secretary Ataul Gani Asad. A dedicated celebration committee worked to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the event.

The committee was led by Convener Sheikh Jamal Hossain, Chief Convener Laies Ahmed (Minu), Chief Coordinator Moin Uz Zaman Chowdhury, and Member Secretary Helim Uddin. Kamrul Hossain and Shahinul Islam served as Joint Member Secretaries. Other members of the celebration committee included A. Rahim (Kadir), Zainal Uddin Layek, Masuk Mia, Syed Lokman, Badrul Uddin, and Dewan Md. Tazzir.

Taking a break from their busy lives in the United States, expatriate Bangladeshis attended the Summer Bash with their families in large numbers. The event featured social gatherings, friendly conversations, family activities, colourful stalls and a vibrant cultural programme.

The cultural segment featured popular artists from Bangladesh, the United Kingdom and the local Bangladeshi community, who entertained the audience with a variety of songs. Performers included Selim Chowdhury, Rizia Parvin, Kamruzzaman Bakul, Wahid from London, Shah Mahbub, Baul Kala Mia, Nasir Uddin, Roksana Mirza, Nazu Akand, Aftab Johnny, Silma, and Apu Rahman’s group.

The event was further energised by the event management and sound system provided by Soundgear, contributing to the overall festive atmosphere. Around 20 colourful stalls were also set up at the venue, attracting considerable attention from visitors. The stalls added a fair-like dimension to the celebration and provided another attraction for families attending the programme.

According to the organisers, one of the main objectives of the event was to introduce the younger generation of expatriate Bangladeshis to their cultural heritage, traditions and roots. The organisers also emphasised the importance of such gatherings in strengthening social connections and fostering unity among the greater Sylhet community in the United States.

Through the collective efforts of the celebration committee and the enthusiastic participation of expatriate Bangladeshis, the Jalalabad Association of America’s ‘Summer Bash’ became a memorable celebration of Sylheti culture, community and togetherness.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) held its 40th annual convention in Orlando over the Labor Day weekend, bringing together Bangladeshi-American community organizations, cultural performers, artists and guests from across North America. The three-day convention opened Friday with a gala dinner and opening ceremony. Media personality Shahidul Islam Shachu hosted the opening program, while Dr. Sultan S. Ahmed attended as chief guest.

The second day featured seminars, cultural programs and performances by member organizations and prominent Bangladeshi artists. The FOBANA theme song was performed by Dinat Jahan Munni and her group. The song’s lyrics and music were written and composed by Kabir Bokul. Artists who performed during Saturday’s main-stage program included Shamir Mahmud, Rafiq Ahmed Miton, Arzeen Kamal, Imran Mahmudul and Dilshaad Nahar Kona.

A key part of the convention was the Annual General Meeting, where delegates elected a new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term. Atiqur Rahman was elected chairman, while Niehal Rahim was elected executive secretary. Ziaul Haque Zia and Aminul Zinali Collins were elected executive vice presidents. Md. Shahab Uddin and Imran Jony Alam were elected joint secretaries, and Shahedul Islam Anjan was elected treasurer.

The AGM also approved the Bangladesh League of America, New York, as the host committee for the 2027 FOBANA convention. Several other recommendations from member organizations were also approved during the meeting. Organizers said 47 organizations registered for this year’s convention, with more than a dozen organizations from Florida participating in the Orlando gathering.

Sunday’s program began with additional seminars and activities involving member organizations. The main stage featured a tribute to the late Shotto Saha, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s music and cultural community.

As part of the tribute, his son Imon Saha, a seven-time National Film Award winner of Bangladesh, performed in his father’s honor. FOBANA also presented a posthumous recognition to Shotto Saha, which was accepted by his wife, National Film Award-winning actress and performer Romola Saha, on behalf of the family.

The recognition was presented by performers Ankhi Alamgir and Dinat Jahan Munni alongside FOBANA leaders. The final evening featured performances by Ankhi Alamgir, Dinat Jahan Munni, Shazu Khadem, Zayed Khan, Shirin Shila, Itisha Chowdhury and singer Sanjay, known for performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup. State and local officials also addressed attendees during the convention.

The 40th FOBANA Convention was hosted by Central Florida Bangladesh Shomiti. The Bangladesh Association of Florida, Central Florida Sports Club, World Fair and Feast USA Inc. and Bangladesh Society of Central Florida served as co-host organizations. The organizing team included Convenor Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Executive President Shams Ahmed and Event Coordinator AKM Hossain Hitu.

The event was planned and designed by Shahid Islam Shachu, S.A. Haque Oilk and Tanzira Rashid. The convention concluded with FOBANA acknowledging the newly elected committee and thanking participating organizations, performers, delegates and guests for their contributions to the three-day gathering.