Bangladesh Society Opens Third Bangla School Branch in Jamaica

Bangladesh Society Inc. has opened its third Bangla School branch in Jamaica, Queens, as part of an effort to promote the Bengali language, literature and culture among a new generation growing up in the United States.

The new branch began operations on October 2 at the society’s temporary office in Jamaica. The opening ceremony began with the singing of Bangladesh’s national anthem, followed by a Quran recitation. Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim chaired the program, which was conducted by General Secretary Mohammad Ali.

Members of the society’s executive committee and board of trustees, former leaders, lifetime and general members, media representatives, and more than 100 parents and students attended the event.

Mohammad Ali said the society has successfully operated Bangla Schools at its Brooklyn branch and its own office for the past 12 to 15 years. He thanked Jamaica branch director Syed Ullah, the governing board and teachers for helping launch the new branch.

Ataur Rahman Selim said establishing Bangla Schools was one of the society’s election commitments. He said the organization plans to establish a Bangla School in every community, with a new branch in the Bronx currently in the works and plans to establish another in Woodside.

Hasan Jilani, the society’s school and education secretary, said introducing children growing up abroad to the Bengali language, literature, culture and heritage is an important responsibility. He described the Bangla School as more than a language-learning institution, calling it a bridge connecting younger generations with their identity and roots.

Farzin Rakhi Kabir, a teacher at the Brooklyn branch, shared the experience of her three children as students of the society’s Bangla School. She said her eldest child completed undergraduate and graduate studies and now works for the federal government in Washington, D.C.; her second child works at NASA; and her youngest, Kabya, is studying law at Cornell University.

Rumanna Afroz, the teacher responsible for the Jamaica branch, pledged to work closely with the children and sought parents’ cooperation.

Society leaders said expanding Bangla Schools was one of the key commitments made during the 2024 election and that the Jamaica branch is part of efforts to fulfill that pledge. They said the current committee plans to open two more schools before its term ends on December 31.

During the ceremony, children gathered in front of the stage holding cards featuring Bengali letters such as “অ, আ, ক, খ” and placards reading “Bangla School.” Parents captured the moment on their mobile phones.

Ataur Rahman Selim, Hasan Jilani, members of the board of trustees and executive committee, and teachers formally announced the opening of the Jamaica branch.

Organizers said the school will operate two days a week and urged parents to ensure their children attend regularly.