Balaganj and Osmaninagar Expatriate Welfare Society Holds Annual Picnic in New York
The annual picnic of the Balaganj and Osmaninagar Expatriate Welfare Society USA Inc. was held in a festive and joyful atmosphere in New York on Sunday, August 16.
The daylong gathering was organized at Birch Pavilion in Belmont Lake State Park with the aim of strengthening friendship, brotherhood and social ties among people from Balaganj and Osmaninagar living abroad.
The program began with an opening ceremony led by Dr. Mustaq Ahmed Bar Bhuiyan. Dr. Junnun Chowdhury attended as the chief guest. Following breakfast, the formal activities began with Quran recitation and a balloon release.
Various sports and recreational activities were arranged throughout the day for children, teenagers, women and men. Children participated in ball-passing and running competitions, while women took part in pillow games and marble-and-spoon races. Football and volleyball competitions were also organized for men and teenagers.
Lunch was served to the expatriate community, with a break provided for Zuhr prayers.
In the afternoon, invited guests were introduced and speeches were delivered. Society General Secretary Abdur Rob Kawser moderated the session.
Society President Mizanur Rahman Mizan said the organization represents a small piece of their homeland amid the busy lives of expatriates. He said they were working together to preserve their roots and strengthen social bonds despite living far from Bangladesh.
Picnic Convener Md. Toufiq Alam said Balaganj and Osmaninagar represent their roots, identity and pride, adding that they were proud to belong to the two areas.
Chief Coordinator Syed Enam Ahmed said mutual cooperation and harmonious coexistence were the main sources of strength for the expatriate community. He said the unity and friendship among people from Balaganj and Osmaninagar not only enrich their lives abroad but also help pass their culture and values on to future generations.
A raffle draw was held toward the end of the daylong event. Attractive gifts were presented to competition winners and participants as well as invited guests, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The event concluded with gift distribution and a series of joyful moments, marking another memorable gathering for the Balaganj and Osmaninagar expatriate community in New York.
Member Secretary Nizam Uddin, Joint Convener Md. Yakub Ali, Joint Coordinator Zohaib Chowdhury, Dr. Asadur Rahman Mia, NYPD Inspector Khandaker Abdullah, Indian Muslim Council President Imran Pasha, Bangladesh Society General Secretary Mohammad Ali, members of the organization’s leadership, advisory council and invited guests also addressed the gathering.
