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.

FLORIDA: The 41st Convention of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), one of the largest organizations representing Bangladeshi communities in North America, will be held in New York next year. The Bangladesh League of America, New York, one of the oldest Bangladeshi organizations in the United States, has been selected as the host organization for the 2027 convention.

The announcement came during FOBANA’s Annual General Meeting held in Florida, where a new Executive Committee was elected for the next two years. Atiquer Rahman Atiq was elected Chairman of the new committee, while Ziaul Haque Zia and Aminul Jilani Collins were elected Vice Chairmen. Nehal Rahim was elected General Secretary. Md. Shahabuddin and Imran Jony Alam were elected Joint Secretaries, while Shahedul Islam Anjan was elected Treasurer.

The election of the new leadership is expected to bring renewed momentum to FOBANA’s organizational activities over the next two years. With the 41st FOBANA Convention scheduled to take place in New York in 2027, the new leadership will face significant organizational responsibilities in preparing for the major gathering of Bangladeshi Americans and their families from across North America.

Meanwhile, the 40th FOBANA Convention was held in Orlando, Florida, from September 4 to 6, bringing together Bangladeshi community members from different states across the United States and Canada. The three-day convention was held at the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks in Kissimmee, Florida, featuring cultural programs, music, discussions, business networking, youth activities, women’s leadership programs and community recognition events.

The three-day convention officially began on Friday, September 4. Registration and exhibition activities began at 4 p.m., followed by a cultural parade and flag ceremony at 6 p.m. A business and leadership discussion was held at 8 p.m., bringing together business leaders and community representatives.

The opening events highlighted FOBANA’s four-decade journey, the unity of the North American Bangladeshi community, preservation of Bangladeshi culture and heritage, and the importance of engaging younger generations in community activities. FOBANA Convention President Mohammad Shamim Mridha emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among Bangladeshi Americans. Convention Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu expressed appreciation to members of the community for their support in organizing the event. FOBANA Executive Committee Chairman Zahid Hasan and Executive Secretary Nehal Rahim also spoke about the convention, organizational activities and the future direction of FOBANA.

Saturday, September 5, was one of the busiest days of the convention. A Youth Innovation Summit was held at 10 a.m., focusing on youth leadership, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and the future role of the younger generation within the North American Bangladeshi community. A Women in Leadership program followed at 1 p.m., bringing together Bangladeshi women from different professional and community backgrounds to discuss leadership, social engagement and their contributions to community development.

The major attraction of the evening was the cultural concert featuring popular Bangladeshi performers. According to the organizers’ published list, the participating artists included Imran Mahmudul, Dinat Jahan Munni, Protic Hassan, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Arzeen Kamal, Annana Yeasmin Ankon and Rafiq Ahmed Milton.

Actor Sazu Khadem, actress Pori Moni, singer Sania Sultana Liza and actress Srabasti Tinny were also promoted as participants or special guests of the convention. The performances of the popular artists turned Saturday night into a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi music and culture, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Bangladeshi-American community.

Sunday, September 6, marked the final day of the three-day convention. The Community Awards ceremony was held at 11 a.m., recognizing individuals for their contributions to the Bangladeshi community. A vendor and business showcase was held at 2 p.m., giving participating entrepreneurs and service providers an opportunity to highlight their businesses and activities.

The convention concluded with a farewell luncheon at 4 p.m. One of the notable recognitions of the convention went to musician Nafeez Al Amin, who received a special award for his contribution to Bangla rock music. The recognition highlighted his contribution to the development and promotion of Bangla rock music.

The participation of well-known Bangladeshi artists was one of the major attractions of the 40th FOBANA Convention. Performances by Imran Mahmudul, Dinat Jahan Munni, Protic Hassan, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Arzeen Kamal, Annana Yeasmin Ankon and Rafiq Ahmed Milton generated considerable interest among attendees. Their performances brought the sound and atmosphere of Bangladesh to the diaspora, featuring contemporary Bangladeshi music and popular cultural performances. The presence of actors and other cultural personalities added another dimension to the three-day celebration. Direct interaction between artists and members of the audience further enhanced the festive atmosphere.

The 40th FOBANA Convention carried special significance as the organization marked four decades of its journey. For four decades, FOBANA has served as a platform for cultural connection, community networking and engagement among Bangladeshi communities across North America, while helping younger generations maintain ties with Bangladeshi culture and heritage. The return of the convention to Orlando after a long interval generated considerable enthusiasm among the local Bangladeshi community.

The host committee was led by President Mohammad Shamim Mridha, Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton and Event Management Convener A.K.M. Hossain Hitu, along with other committee members. The three-day gathering combined cultural activities with business discussions, leadership programs, youth initiatives, women’s leadership activities, community engagement and recognition programs.

The 40th FOBANA Convention in Orlando ultimately became a vibrant gathering of Bangladeshi Americans, celebrating music, culture, community and heritage while strengthening connections among Bangladeshis living across North America. With New York selected as the host city for the 41st FOBANA Convention in 2027 and a new executive leadership team now in place, attention is already turning toward the next chapter of FOBANA’s journey.