Thousands of Bangladeshis Gather at Atlanta Fobana Convention

The second day of the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (Fobana) convention in Atlanta drew overwhelming crowds, turning the Gas South Convention Center into a slice of Bangladesh on Saturday evening.

The cultural programme, scheduled to begin at 6pm, started only 45 minutes late – a rare improvement for Fobana shows that often run hours behind. By 9pm, while performers kept the main stage alive, the venue’s lobbies and outdoor areas bustled with smaller gatherings, food stalls and vendor booths doing brisk business.

The day also featured seminars, a youth forum, business sessions and a lively poetry gathering attended by more than 100 poets. At the book fair, authors sold their own works directly to readers. Consul General Seheli Sultana, who oversaw a packed consular service desk, said she was delighted to serve so many expatriates.

By late evening, the cultural show reached its peak. Attendees from 28 U.S. states filled the hall, praising the performances. Scholarships and media awards were handed out around 10pm, with Prothom Alo North America editor Ibrahim Chowdhury among the honourees.

But at 10:30pm, the crowds became unmanageable. Security struggled as movement at entrances and exits ground to a halt. At 11:15pm, police intervened, closing the show on fire safety grounds. The audience dispersed peacefully, accepting organisers’ pledge to resume the programme at 1pm on Sunday to make up for lost time.

Organisers acknowledged lapses in ticket checking, which may have allowed multiple entries on single tickets, contributing to the overflow. Yet most hailed the event a success. Host committee president Duke Khan said: “Having so many people in one show is a joy. The community supported us in every way.”

The Fobana scholarship committee announced that $77,000 had been distributed among students this year, with essays written on the theme “Building Bridges: Challenges and Solutions for Bangladeshi American Youth.” Special honours went to the Hope Foundation (Dr Iftekhar) and attorney Mohammad Alamgir.