Chittagong Association Picnic in New York, A Joyful Gathering of Expats

The annual picnic of the expatriate Chittagong community, organized by the Chittagong Association of North America, was held in New York. On Sunday, 17 August, the event took place in the serene and shaded environment of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens. Over 2,000 expatriates participated, with a particularly strong turnout from the Chittagong community. The picnic turned into a lively reunion.

The event featured cultural performances, sports activities, and a raffle draw. Association President Maksudul Haque Chowdhury said, “This picnic is a celebration of unity among the Chittagong community. We tried to organize it as beautifully as possible. We sincerely thank everyone. We aim to move the association forward in unity. There will be leadership competition, but no resentment. The people of Chittagong desire peace and want to stay united.”

Vice President Mohammad M. Billa thanked everyone present, adding, “We have organized the picnic in a beautiful environment. Please overlook any mistakes with generosity.”

Attorney Moin Chowdhury said, “Since coming to America, I have maintained close ties with the Chittagong community. Today’s event was wonderful. There is no alternative to unity, and everyone must stand by each other.”

Organizing Secretary Md. Farhad and Welfare Secretary Akhtarul Azam also expressed gratitude, with Azam noting, “Being able to enjoy this joy together is our greatest achievement.”

The picnic committee included Convener Md. M. Billal, Chief Coordinator Shimul Barua, Secretary Akhtar Ul Azam, Joint Convener Ali Akbar Bappi, Md. Ayub Ansari, Suman Uddin, Coordinator Md. Farhad, Nurus Sofa, Shawkat Ali, Joint Secretary Harun Mia, and Md. Shah Alam.

The chief guest was Asha Group Chairman & CEO Engineer Akash Rahman, and the honored guest was Attorney Moin Chowdhury. Grand Sponsor: Asha Group; Platinum Sponsor: Attorney Moin Chowdhury; Silver Sponsor: Iqbal Haider. Other sponsors included Bari Group, Zahid Mintu, Kalustans, Styler Shipping, Sheikh Farhad, Nurul Azim, Abdul Quader Mia Foundation, Shabana Trading, Home Central, businessman Alamgir Hossain, social worker Md. Hashem, Mohammad Shahabuddin, Exit Realty Prime, Farukul L Farm, Md. Fahim Jan, Radhuni Sweets and Restaurant, Mass Mutual, Blue Green, Nuruzzaman Sardar, MH Medical Service, Khokon K. Chowdhury, Standard Express, Sadhan Kar, Green House, Janata Pharmacy, Desh Bangla Pharmacy, Evergreen Pharmacy, Asian Pharmacy, Robiul Chowdhury, Suchana Super Market, and Max Luxury.

Media partners included ATV, Shada Kalo, and USA Bangla. Overall support was provided by Masud Siraji, Tamal K. Chowdhury, Sushant Dutta, Md. A. Wadud, Mohammad Zainal Abedin, and Md. Zahidul Azam.

Expats from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia also participated, including Abdur Rafiq, Didar Chowdhury, Mohammad Sarwar, Kausar Chowdhury, Mozibul Haque, Anis Mahmud, Hafez Mohammad Idris, Muntasir Billah, Kazi Jonayed, Foyez Alam, Mohammad Jaman, Nurul Haq, Jafar Saleh, Selim Jamal, Mostak Jaman, Mohammad Josim, Imran Rahim, Jahangir Alam, Shawkat Hossain Chowdhury, Jasedul Alam Jas, Arif M. Zubair, Moktar Ahmed, Shahjahan, Mayor Mohammad Abu Tayyab, Enam Chowdhury, Moinuddin, Zahed Chowdhury, Ferdous Hasan, and Bakhtiar Uddin.

The association expressed special gratitude to former Chief Election Commissioner Syed M. Reza, former Bangladesh Society Chairman & Trustee Board member Md. Shahjahan Siraji, lifetime member Abul Kashem Bhuiya, American Association of Connecticut President Nurul Alam, founding General Secretary Al Zubair Manik, lifetime member & former President Sarwar Chowdhury, founding member Hasan Chowdhury, former General Secretary Mehbubur Rahman Badal, former President Md. Ahsan Habib, former Advisor Haji Shafiul Alam & Md. Josim Uddin, former Election Commissioner Mujibul Haque, Dr. Ataul Osmani, former General Secretary Shahjahan Mahmud, Syedul Alam, Amjad Hossain Bhuiya, former Election Commissioner Mir Kader Russell, Masud Siraji, Iqbal Hossain, and current General Secretaries A.K.M. Mejbah Uddin & Mohiuddin Chowdhury Khokon.