Of the two upcoming FOBANA conventions in the United States, the attention of expatriates has turned to the one in Atlanta. The reason: this is the main FOBANA convention. Cultural activists from over 80 Bangladeshi organizations across the U.S. are preparing to showcase their diverse cultural performances. From more than 25 states, hundreds of artists and performers will head to Atlanta next Friday (August 29).
Only four days remain before the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) convention, renowned as the grand gathering of expatriate Bangladeshis in North America. The 39th FOBANA convention will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, with local Bangladeshi literary, cultural, and social organization Bangladhara taking the lead in making it a milestone event. This year’s theme is “The Perspective of the Expatriate Generation and Bangladesh’s Position in Globalization.” Organizers expect the conference to be exceptional, featuring diverse cultural programs.
This year’s convention will include discussions on human rights and socio-political issues; health and wellness focusing on preventive and medical aspects; technology with emphasis on engineering, science, and artificial intelligence; and the impact of technology on education, career, and communication. Sessions will also cover built environments and climate issues—architecture, planning, urbanization, and sustainable development.
Other segments will focus on business and economy: management, finance, entrepreneurship, markets, and economic policy. Education, arts, and culture will highlight teaching, creative arts, design, film, media, and literature. Heritage and traditions will address preservation, history, cultural identity, and integration of Bangladeshi-Americans into the mainstream. This year will also see major participation from youth and women’s organizations from various U.S. states.
A cultural troupe led by singer Samina Chowdhury will perform. For three consecutive days, captivating cultural programs will take place every evening.
The convention will also feature several important seminars, poetry sessions, literary discussions, a FOBANA book fair, youth forums and networking events, discussions with NRB (non-resident Bangladeshi) entrepreneurs, scholarship awards for talented students, handicrafts exhibitions, and a colorful fashion show.
Organizers expect about 8,000 to 10,000 expatriate Bangladeshis from different states across the U.S. and Canada to participate in this year’s Atlanta FOBANA convention.
Officials of the 39th FOBANA conference reported that the number of organizations expressing interest in participation has already broken all previous records. If everything goes as planned, performers participating in the August 29–31 conference at the Gas South Convention Center (Hotel Westin) will also set new records with their diverse cultural presentations, according to FOBANA Chairperson Masud Rob Chowdhury and Executive Secretary Abir Alamgir. They also announced that the 40th FOBANA conference in 2026 will be held in Los Angeles, California.
Conference convener Nahidul Khan Sahel and member secretary Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan stated that the arrangements have been designed so no audience will feel monotonous. Breaking 38 years of tradition, this year’s event will include many innovations and diverse cultural performances, ensuring three days of pure joy. They noted that more than a hundred volunteers and workers from Bangladhara are working tirelessly.
They emphasized that special importance is being given to all aspects, including a business seminar and luncheon that they hope will be remembered as the best of its kind. Other seminars and performances will also feature new elements.
FOBANA President Duke Khan said this is the fifth time Atlanta is hosting the conference. 'The previous four were successful, and this time we are taking on an even bigger challenge. We are trying our best to make it a success. The three-day program is being designed to delight the audience and will be truly exceptional. 'Senior co-conveners Maula Dilu and Kazi Nahid are serving as chief coordinators.
Executive Committee Chairman Masud Rob Chowdhury added that FOBANA has played a vital role over the past 38 years in fostering communication and unity among expatriate Bangladeshis. Alongside promoting cultural ties for the new generation, the conference also organizes seminars and discussions to address various challenges faced by the community, encouraging younger generations to stay connected to Bangladeshi heritage.
This year, the conference authorities plan to award scholarships to 15–20 meritorious students from Dhaka University, Jagannath University, and Comilla University, each worth $1,000 (approximately 120,000 BDT).
Several prominent Bangladeshi personalities and artists have also been invited. As in previous years, discussions will cover diaspora and homeland politics, U.S. policy under the Trump administration, relations with governors and senators from different states, and Bangladesh’s new government. Seminars will also focus on the environment, the global economy, river water issues in Bangladesh, and U.S. immigration.