Bangladesh Association New Zealand

Bangladesh Association New Zealand Incorporated (BANZI) was established in 1991 and registered with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies in New Zealand on 30 April 1991. BANZI aims to represent the majority of people of the Bangladeshi community in New Zealand. The Bangladesh Community comprises a diverse group of professionals, including physicians, engineers, pharmacists, agriculturalists, teachers, scientists, accountants, businessmen, and social workers. Established as a not-for-profit, voluntary community organization, BANZI’s vision is to unite the community for peace, progress, and development within New Zealand’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, and peace-loving society. The association strives to provide the most accurate and comprehensive information to those seeking to learn about New Zealand.

Aims & Objectives of BANZI

Community Relations:

• Foster communication and improved relations among its members and the wider Bangladesh community in New Zealand.
• Enhance communication, understanding, and tolerance between BANZI, the New Zealand Government, local authorities, and individuals to benefit the Bangladesh community.

Cultural Preservation:

• Maintain and uphold the cultural heritage of Bangladesh and the Bangla language.
• Retain the distinct identity and values of the Bangladesh community within New Zealand society.
• Establish a community school to educate the next generation in the Bangla language, culture, and values.

Welfare and Support:

• Provide welfare services to new Bangladeshi immigrants to aid their settlement.
  Support all BANZI members.

Financial Sustainability:

• Develop and execute projects to identify income sources for day-to-day operations.

Advocacy and Contribution:

• Lawfully uphold human rights and social justice in New Zealand.
• Contribute to the wider Bangladesh community’s support for New Zealand’s economic and social progress.

Activities:

Bangladesh Association New Zealand Incorporated organizes various events, activities, and programs:

Membership

Individuals meeting eligibility criteria may apply for membership online or in person through the Bangladesh Association New Zealand website. All applications must be submitted online or in the form prescribed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee approves all applications and notifies applicants by email. Applications that the Executive Committee has unanimously declined are not considered further. If a majority of the Executive Committee rejects an application, the applicant may appeal to the President of BANZI, requesting the Executive Committee to reconsider its decision. However, it’s important to note that all such decisions are final, and no further communication with the applicant is allowed. There are three memberships of BANZI.

• General Member: Any citizen, ex-citizen, or ancestor of Bangladesh residing in New Zealand, including their spouse who is a citizen of Bangladesh living in New Zealand, who meets the general criteria of membership, shall be eligible to apply for membership.
• Associate Member: Associate membership is open to individuals who meet the general eligibility criteria and who support BANZI but do not wish to have full membership. Associate members do not have voting rights and can’t hold executive committee positions.
• Life Member: Life membership is open to anyone who has made a remarkable contribution to the BANZI and to the wider Bangladesh Community in New Zealand, a member who was general member for four consecutive years, Served BANZI as Executive Member or subcommittee Member for at least two tenures, willing to make at least one single donation of NZ$500.00 (five hundred dollars) to the BANZI. However, a donation of $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) to the BANZI can make a member a life member without any conditions.

Team

President: Mehedi Hasan Khan Chowdhury
Vice President: Md Delowar Hossain
General Secretary: Md Mahbubul Alam Khan
Treasurer: Mohammad Kamrul Hassan
Asst. General Secretary: Md Ataur Rahman Fakir
Cultural Secretary: Pritam Chowdhury
Religious Secretary: Abdus Salam
Membership Secretary: Md Moniruzzaman
Sports Secretary: Md Arif Bepari
Member: Mohammad Fattah Uddin
Member: Mohammad Masud Rana