The Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles (BUFLA) is a California-based, 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that empowers the Bangladeshi diaspora and fosters Bangladesh’s cultural pride in Southern California. With a mission to uplift the “neediest people in local communities and in Bangladesh,” BUFLA aims to preserve Bangladeshi heritage, advocate for social equity, and nurture connections among Los Angeles immigrants. Through grassroots initiatives, educational programs, and advocacy, BUFLA uplifts the local Bangladeshi community and underprivileged populations in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles (BUFLA) acts as a cultural anchor and a support system for Bangladeshi-Americans.
BUFLA’s history is intertwined with LA’s Little Bangladesh, a vibrant cultural hub in Koreatown. Founded in 2010 after extensive community efforts, this area thrives with Bangladeshi culture, featuring family-run grocery stores alongside busy restaurants offering Bangladeshi food. BUFLA was crucial in obtaining this designation, enhancing the community’s voice in a city enriched by various immigrant narratives. The federation remains dedicated to advocating for affordable housing and small business support in the neighborhood, resisting gentrification threatening the long-term residents.
Mission
- Unite diverse Bangladeshi organizations in Greater Los Angeles for solidarity, empowerment, and cultural pride
- Celebrate the community’s diversity and foster collaboration for collective growth
- Strengthening diaspora, uplifting heritage, and building bridges between Bangladesh and the U.S. for a more connected world
Goals
- Strengthening Community Unity
– Cultivate solidarity and mutual support across Los Angeles’ multifaceted Bangladeshi community
– Showcase the rich cultural legacy of Bangladesh and its contributions to American society
– Promote cross-cultural understanding through inclusive programming and civic engagement
- Charitable Community Outreach
– Provide winter survival kits (blankets, warm clothing) for unhoused neighbors
– Serve nutritious meals to food-insecure families across LA
– Empower students through technology grants (computers, STEM tools) and merit scholarships
– Host free health clinics and wellness education workshops
– Offer crisis support, including domestic violence shelter referrals and burial assistance
- Community Development Services
– Immigration guidance and citizenship test preparation
– Career development through job training and professional networking
– Legal aid clinics for housing, workers’ rights, and family law
– Youth STEM initiatives and leadership programs
– Establish a permanent BUFLA Community Center as a hub for resources and connection
- Celebrate Bangladesh Day Parade
– Present an annual spectacle of Bangladeshi pride along LA’s iconic streets
– Feature vibrant floats, traditional performances, and intercultural exchanges
– Commemorate Independence Day each March with the largest Bangladeshi cultural festival on the West Coast
Team:
President: AFM Ziaul Islam
General Secretary: Mahbubur Rahman Shaheen
Charity Secretary: Jasim Ahmed
Public Relations Secretary: Abdus Samad
Office Secretary: Zia Islam
Event Secretary: Shiper Chowdhury