Bangladeshi diaspora gathers in US cities for Fobana conventions

Two major US cities are set to host Bangladeshi diaspora gatherings this Labour Day weekend, as the 39th Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (Fobana) convention takes place simultaneously in Atlanta and Niagara.

In Atlanta, Georgia, the three-day event begins on 29 August at the Gas South Convention Center, with organisers expecting up to 8,000 participants. The convention will feature cultural performances, youth forums, book fairs, business networking sessions, and seminars on immigration, human rights, education, technology, and Bangladesh’s cultural identity. Popular Bangladeshi musicians including Samina Chowdhury, Rizia Parvin, and Pritom Hasan are scheduled to perform.

Meanwhile, in Niagara, New York, another convention will open on the same day at the Sheraton Hotel. The organisers there say the event will include seminars, cultural shows, and performances by leading Bangladeshi artists such as Asif Akbar and Pratik Hasan. Entry will be free for all attendees.

Both conventions aim to strengthen ties among Bangladeshi expatriates in North America, promote cultural heritage, and engage the younger generation in community leadership.