Only 12 days remain before the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) conference, the renowned reunion of Bangladeshi expatriates in North America. The 39th FOBANA conference, set to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, is moving forward with milestone achievements under the leadership of Atlanta’s popular Bangladeshi literary, cultural, and social organization Bangladhara. With the slogan 'The Perspective of the Diaspora Generation and Bangladesh’s Position in Globalization,' organizers are hopeful for a unique event with diverse cultural performances.
More than 80 Bangladeshi organizations in the United States have prepared their performers for a variety of presentations. Hundreds of artists and cultural activists from over 25 states will gather in Atlanta on August 29.
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.
Highlights of this year’s FOBANA conference:
Social issues: Human rights and socio-political aspects. Health & Wellness: Preventive and medical perspectives.
Technology: Engineering, science, and artificial intelligence; its impact on education, careers, and communication.
Built Environment & Climate: Architecture
planning, urbanization, and sustainable development. Business & Economy: Management, entrepreneurship, markets, and economic policy.
Education, Arts & Culture: Teaching, creative arts, design, film, media, and literature. Culture & Heritage: Preservation, history, identity, and integration of Bangladeshi-Americans into the mainstream.
This year, youth and women’s organizations from across the U.S. will have significant participation.
A cultural troupe led by singer Samina Chowdhury will perform, with evening shows scheduled for all three days. The conference will also feature important seminars, poetry sessions, literary discussions, the FOBANA Book Fair, youth forums, networking events, NRB business discussions, scholarship awards for young talents, craft exhibitions, and colorful fashion shows.
Organizers expect 8,000–10,000 Bangladeshi expatriates from across the U.S. and Canada to attend the Atlanta conference.