Bangladesh Association of Chicagoland (BAC) is an organization for the Bangladeshi community living in Chicago and the surrounding areas. BAC aims to bring unity among the Bangladeshi community by performing community activities. Bangladesh Association of Chicagoland (BAC) is a membership-based, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization without affiliation to any political parties in Bangladesh or the US. The organization was founded in 1980 by one of the foremost structural engineers of the 20th century, Dr. Fazlur R. Khan, a Bangladeshi American.
Bangladesh Association of Chicagoland (BAC) sponsors various events and activities, especially Bangladesh Day and Independence Day, every year. By celebrating Bangladesh Day, the community tries to bring a taste of Bangladesh and its culture to the USA. By participating in volunteer activities, BAC members try to spread awareness about Bangladesh while helping the community.
Mission
• To develop and promote friendship and mutual understanding among members and other people in the community.
• To help immigrants, visitors, and students from Bangladesh acclimate to the American way of life.
• To enhance Bangladeshi culture.
• To promote relationships with other such organizations.
• To collect funds and organize cultural and educational activities.
Programs and Activities
- Cultural Celebrations: Organize and celebrate events like International Mother Language Day, Bangla New Year (Pohela Boishakh), Bangladesh Victory Day, and Independence Day
- Community Services: Provide Social welfare programs, health awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives.
- Networking & Advocacy: Strengthen ties within the Bangladeshi community and advocate for the interests of Bangladeshi-Americans
- Youth & Family Programs: Organize educational workshops, youth leadership programs, and family-friendly events.
Membership:
The following memberships are open to the public for those interested in the organization’s activities:
- Individual Membership: Any person above eighteen (18) can become a Member. Individual Members will have one vote.
- Family Membership: This category includes children under eighteen (18) years old. Both spouses will have votes, and each spouse will have one vote.
- Sponsors: Individuals, families, or entities donating $250-$500 are eligible for sponsorship. Sponsors have the voting rights. Corporate and organizational sponsors don’t have voting rights.
- Patrons: Individuals, families, or entities donating $500 or more are eligible for patronage. Patrons have voting rights, while corporate and organizational patrons do not.
- Honorary Life Membership: Once every 10 years, the Board of Directors can bestow honorary life membership on individuals who have been members for 30 consecutive years, served as past Board officers, and have no conflicts of interest. Honorary Life Members have voting rights.
Team:
President: Kamal Ahmed
General Secretary: Khandker R Suzud (Ami)
Treasurer: Mohammad Yeasin
Vice President (Cultural Affairs): Dipta Sarker (Nipa)
Vice President (Social Affairs): Rowshan Islam
Vice President (Public Relations): Sanzida Tasmin
Vice President (Youth Outreach): Sean Swedroe (Sean)