The Bangladesh Social Club Oman (BSCO) serves as a vital hub for the Bangladeshi community in Oman, offering cultural, social, and welfare support. The Omani government generally permits a single social and cultural organization for each expatriate nationality residing in Oman. The organization was established in 1995 with the approval of Oman’s Ministry of Social Development (Reg. #121) to represent the Bangladeshi community living in Oman. Since its inception, BSCO has been providing a platform for Bangladeshis in Oman to connect, celebrate their culture, and address community needs. It represents a cultural sanctuary, a support network, and a dynamic institution that has become indispensable to community life. The club, an officially recognized body, has evolved into Oman’s primary institution for Bangladeshi expatriates, weaving together threads of heritage, welfare, and unity across the Sultanate.
Mission and Objectives
Bangladesh Social Club Oman (BSCO) operates as a non-political organization focusing exclusively on community welfare and cultural preservation. Its mission encompasses:
- Cultural Preservation: Maintaining Bangladeshi traditions through festivals, arts, and language
- Community Support: Addressing welfare concerns of blue-collar workers who form the majority (construction, agriculture, household, and restaurant sectors)
- Legal Compliance: Promoting adherence to Omani laws and regulations among expatriates
- Economic Safeguarding: Combating illegal financial practices like hundi (informal money transfers)
- Cross-Cultural Bridgebuilding: Showcasing Bangladeshi heritage to Omani society
Activities & Initiatives
Cultural Events:
- Pohela Boishakh (Bangla New Year): The club’s flagship Bangla New Year celebration attracts thousands to the event for a day-long festival featuring traditional music, dance, food stalls, and cultural performances.
- National Day Observances: Joint celebrations of Oman’s National Day (November) and Bangladesh’s Victory Day (December) foster dual patriotism.
- Arts and Cuisine Showcases: Regular events spotlight Bangladeshi culinary arts, handicrafts, and performing arts, creating what visitors describe as “an inviting atmosphere resonating with laughter and aromatic traditional dishes.”
- Major Sports Tournaments: The annual Gold Cup Football and Cricket tournaments build community camaraderie while nurturing athletic talent through friendly or competitive tournaments and team competitions.
- Cultural remembrance: Invite Bangladeshi artists, singers, musicians to perform, celebrate the birth anniversary of the famous Bangladeshi poets
Community Welfare:
- Philanthropic activities, including blood donation drives (e.g., in association with the Blood Bank of Oman).
- A dedicated welfare committee assists community members in distress, those involved in traffic accidents, and those facing emergencies or financial hardship.
- Collaboration with the Bangladesh Embassy in Muscat and local money exchange businesses to combat money laundering and encourage remittances through official channels, as part of the “Say No to Hundi” campaign.
- Facilitating passport renewals and document attestation from the Bangladeshi consulate in Muscat through new offices in various regions.
- Club leadership regularly meets with embassy officials for worker advocacy to highlight “problems faced by expatriates,” securing diplomatic intervention when needed.
Community Engagement:
- Organizing seminars and events to raise awareness of rules, regulations, and directives from Oman’s Ministry of Social Development.
- Providing a welcoming environment for locals and expatriates to celebrate Bangladeshi heritage through music, dance, and cuisine.
Structure & Reach
- Branches: Multiple branches across Oman, including Muscat, Sohar, Sur, Buraimi, Barka, and Salalah, serving over 700,000 Bangladeshi expatriates.
- Wings: Includes specialized wings such as Greater Noakhali Wing (Feni, Noakhali, Lakshipur), Greater Comilla Wing (Comilla, Chadpur, Brahmanbaria), Greater Chittagong Wing, Dhaka Wing, North Bengal Wing, Engineers Wing, Sports Wing, Youth Wing, and Women’s Wing. The Government of Oman approves all wings.
- Leadership: Executive members are elected through club elections every two years. The executive committee comprises 12 or more members in various positions (e.g., Cultural Secretary, Welfare Secretary, Sports Secretary). Elected executive boards require formal approval from Oman’s Ministry of Social Development. The ministry reviews and endorses the proposed committee members.
Team:
Chairman: Sirajul Haque
Vice President: Rezaul Karim
Vice President: Azimul Hoque Babul
General Secretary: Abdur Rahim
Joint Secretary: Mohammad Anwar Hossain
Joint Secretary: Abdul Rahim
Organizing Secretary: Abul Bashar Sarkar
Treasurer: Maulana Abdul Salam
Publicity Secretary: Mohammad Nazim Uddin Chowdhury
Sports Secretary: Sirajul Hoque
Oman country code: +968