Thousands Gather at Bronx Street Fair Celebrating Bangladeshi Culture

The Bangladeshi community in New York turned out in large numbers for a vibrant street fair in the Bronx, organised by the Bangladesh Society of Bronx to showcase the country’s culture to younger generations.

Held on Sterling Avenue on 31 August, the event ran from 3pm to 9pm and featured around 40 stalls selling food, clothing, jewellery, toys and crafts. Visitors praised the fair for offering “a slice of Bangladesh” in the heart of the Bronx, while organisers said the aim was to strengthen bonds among Bangladeshi Americans.

The fair was formally opened by society president Ataur Rahman Selim, joined by chief sponsor Abdur Rob Dola Mia and other dignitaries. The event brought together a wide range of community leaders, including former society presidents, lawyers, business figures and elected representatives such as New York Assemblywoman Karines Reyes.

Guests of honour included former MP and publisher MM Shaheen, NYPD commanding officer Karam Chowdhury, and industrialist Zahirul Islam. Organisers said the presence of such a wide mix of leaders reflected the growing influence of the Bangladeshi community in the city.

Alongside shopping, cultural performances drew large crowds. Popular singers such as Bindu Kona, Ronty Das, Krishna Tithi, Kala Mia Boyati and others entertained audiences with music, while dancers from Mithun Academy performed traditional routines. Families described the atmosphere as festive and inclusive, with children, women and elders enjoying the celebrations.

Community leaders emphasised that the fair was not just a cultural showcase but also a platform to bring people together. “This kind of event unites everyone under one roof,” one organiser said.

The Bangladesh Society of Bronx said it intends to make the fair an annual highlight of the community calendar.