Bangladesh Australia Association of Western Australia Inc. (BAAWA) was founded in 1982 by residents and resident students from Bangladesh in Perth to foster and promote friendship, understanding, and good fellowship between the people of Bangladesh and Australia. Over time, BAAWA membership has grown as more and more people of Bangladeshi origin have settled in Western Australia. The association has over 600 Bangladesh-Australian families and more than 200 students living in Western Australia.
Aims & Objectives
BAAWA was incorporated as an organization in 1999, and the scope of its aims and activities has broadened considerably. As stated in its latest constitution, the association’s principal objectives are:
- To foster and promote understanding and friendship between Bangladeshi Australians in Western Australia and the broader community, including Australians from all other ethnic backgrounds, through cultural exchange.
- To collaborate with other associations and organizations with similar objectives to promote social harmony.
- To provide a forum for the members of the Association to exchange information, communicate ideas, and promote community welfare.
- To organize recreational activities, including sporting and cultural events, and excursions for members of the Association.
- To publish magazines and/or newsletters devoted to the interests and activities of the Association and its members.
- To facilitate all other activities conducive to attaining the objectives mentioned above.
BAAWA is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization. Activities include gathering together to celebrate various occasions related to Bangladesh and Australia’s cultural and national interests. The annual cultural show, often staged with a multi-cultural theme, is most popular among community members. The annual picnic and sports also draw enthusiastic participants, young and old. BAAWA also publishes a yearly magazine, the “Shamahar“, which allows community members to express creative talents. A directory of members’ contact details is also regularly published and updated.
Activities
Bangladesh Australia Association of Western Australia organizes
– Eid Festival and Puja Reunion
– Picnic and Annual Sports
– Music Concerts
– Bangladesh Fair and Bangla New Year Celebration
– International Mother Language Day
– Bangladesh Independence Day
– Bangladesh Victory Day
– Employment and Job Skill Workshop
Team:
President: Anis Zaman
Vice President: Tasneemul Galib Amit
General Secretary: Md Mannan (Mamun)
Asst. General Secretary: Kaisur Rahman
Treasurer: Sakib Rakin
Asst. Treasurer: Kifayat Mazumder
Cultural Secretary: Zareen Lima
Asst. Cultural Secretary: Israt Jahan
Asst. Cultural Secretary: Sabrina Ahmed
Sports Secretary: Dr. Arif Mohiuddin
Asst. Sports Secretary: Abdullah Raihan
Social Welfare Secretary: Simi Khan
Member: Areeb Islam
Member: Sohela Silvee
Member: Hasibur Rahman
Member: Rashik Raiyan
Member: Prabir Sarker
Member: Dr. Anisur Rahman
Member: Dr. Mohammad
Ex Officio: Rafiqul Alam