39th FOBANA Convention Kicks Off in Montreal
The 39th annual convention of the Federation of Bangladesh Associations in North America (FOBANA) has officially begun in Montreal, drawing thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates from across North America. The three-day event, running from 29–31 August, is being hosted at the Plaza Convention Center in downtown Montreal.
Organizers, led by Canada-Bangladesh Solidarity, have prepared a full schedule of activities, including cultural performances, seminars, youth forums, a business summit, talent shows, the FOBANA Scholarship, and poetry recitals. Coordinators have been rehearsing and finalizing arrangements to ensure each program meets high standards.
Ziaul Haque Zia, convention convener and founder of Canada-Bangladesh Solidarity, said the aim is to create a memorable experience for both attendees and performers. “With participation from renowned artists and special guests from Bangladesh, Montreal, and other North American cities, this convention promises to be one of the most significant in FOBANA’s history,” he said.
Cultural Director Shamsad Rana noted that over a hundred performers will participate in evening events on 30 and 31 August, including musicians and artists from Bangladesh and across North America. The first day, 29 August, is reserved for a gala dinner for invited guests.
The convention also features seminars addressing timely issues such as Canada-U.S. trade, the role of youth in shaping Bangladesh’s future, global political developments, and the economics of migration. Dr. Shoeb Saeed, responsible for the seminars, emphasized that the panels will provide both insight and discussion opportunities for attendees.
Senior journalist Rumu Islam, overseeing media coordination, said arrangements have been made for journalists to cover events easily. “This is more than a festival; it’s a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate shared heritage,” she said.
FOBANA, founded in 1987, has long aimed to unite the Bangladeshi diaspora while promoting culture and heritage. This year’s Montreal convention is the 39th in the series, with simultaneous events planned in Atlanta, Georgia, and Buffalo-Niagara Falls.
