FOBANA Loses Its Luster as Four Separate Conventions Take Place

The Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), which was established to unite Bangladeshi communities across the United States and Canada, is facing renewed questions over its internal divisions as four separate conventions are being held simultaneously during the Labor Day weekend.

From September 4 to 6, four events are taking place in New York, Los Angeles, Orlando and Toronto, with nearly all organizers promoting their gatherings as the “40th FOBANA Convention.”

The development has created confusion and disappointment among many expatriate Bangladeshis, with a key question emerging: Which one represents the original FOBANA?

In New York, the convention is being organized by NRB Association at the Evangelical Christian Church in Astoria under the theme “1971 in Our Consciousness, Bangladesh in Our Hearts.” The three-day program includes discussions on the Liberation War, immigration seminars, women’s empowerment and cultural performances.

Another convention is being held at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City, California, organized by the Bangladesh Association of California. Organizers say 54 registered organizations are participating, with 22 groups scheduled to perform.

In Florida, the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida is hosting a separate convention at the Holiday Inn Resort in Kissimmee, featuring discussions on social and contemporary issues as well as cultural programs involving film and music personalities.

A fourth convention is taking place at the Don Valley Hotel and Suites in Toronto, Canada. The event is expected to feature magician Jewel Aich and actress Bobita, while Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Nahida Sobhan is also scheduled to attend.

Growing concerns over division

Some community members believe FOBANA has increasingly become a platform for displaying social status and influence rather than serving as a unified organization for the Bangladeshi diaspora.

They point to competition over the size of events, celebrity appearances, sponsorships and attendance as factors contributing to the divisions.

There are also allegations that some individuals have been asked for large sums of money in exchange for invitations to FOBANA events, visa-related documents or opportunities to participate in programs. Critics have described the alleged practice as “invitation business.” Organizers, however, have maintained that they operate transparently.

Community members say the prolonged leadership disputes have prevented the North American Bangladeshi community from fully utilizing its collective talent and potential through a unified platform.

Despite the organizational divisions, the four conventions remain major social and cultural attractions for thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates. Traditional clothing, Bangladeshi food, music, family gatherings and cultural programs continue to make FOBANA events an important part of diaspora life.

As FOBANA enters its fifth decade, many expatriates say the real question is not which convention attracts the largest crowd, the most celebrities or the biggest sponsors. Rather, they want to know whether the organization can rise above leadership disputes and personal interests and once again become a genuine platform for unity among Bangladeshi communities in North America.

FOBANA began its journey with its first convention in Washington, D.C., in 1987. Its original objectives included strengthening unity among Bangladeshis living in the United States and Canada, promoting Bangladeshi culture and heritage, supporting social, cultural and educational activities, improving the quality of life of expatriates and building stronger ties between Bangladesh and North America.