Founded in 1979 in Edmonton, Alberta, the Bangladesh-Canada Association of Edmonton (BCAE) is a not-for-profit organization that provides cultural and social spaces for the Bangladeshi community in Edmonton. The organization hosts various events throughout the year to celebrate a multitude of occasions. Canadian Heritage recognizes BCAE as a key promoter of Asian heritage in Alberta. The organization organizes and celebrates Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Blood donation, Pohela Boishakh, Ekushey February, Rabindra Joyanti, Nazrul Joyanti, Eid festivals, Ramadan parties, Puja festivals, Bangladesh Victory Day, and so on.
Mission & Vision
The Bangladeshi Community Association of Edmonton (BCAE) aims to help Bangladeshi individuals residing in Edmonton integrate smoothly into Canadian life through effective cultural and social interactions. To achieve this, the BCAE offers a range of programs and services to both members and non-members.
Services
BCAE provides information about its services online and occasionally explains them in person during various events. The goal is to help the Bangladeshi community become aware of the availability of services, discounts, and ways to save money.
- Housing Service Information: Determining the area and neighborhood that best suits the budget for buying, selling, or renting a home. Explore government housing assistance programs that may be available.
- Health Service Information: Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN), Alberta Health Card, or Alberta ID. These documents are essential for accessing healthcare services in Alberta, as well as ensuring personal and family well-being.
- Banking and Insurance Information: Various bank accounts for savings and checking for personal and business. Help familiarize with various insurance options, including auto, health, and rental insurance.
- Daily Life Information: Best and affordable mobile phone, internet, and TV plans that meet the budget. Manage electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater bills effectively. Property taxes are also an important expense to consider.
- Outdoor and Recreation Information: Engage in outdoor activities like camping, visit music concerts, explore zoos, conservatories, art galleries, farmers’ markets, and Heritage halls. These activities offer opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
Programs & Activities:
The Bangladesh-Canada Association of Edmonton (BCAE) hosts a variety of events and services throughout the year to celebrate culture, support the community, and bring people together.
- Cultural Celebrations & Festivals
- Eid & Bangla New Year (Pohela Boishakh) Celebrations: Featuring music, dance, food, and cultural performances
- Victory Day & International Mother Language Day: Commemorating Bangladesh’s history with art competitions, speeches, and cultural displays.
- Boishakhi Mela: A traditional fair with food, arts, crafts, and entertainment.
- Community Support & Services
- Consular Assistance: Helping members with passport renewals, visas, and other services in partnership with the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa.
- Tax Clinic: Free or affordable tax filing support for community members.
- Blood Drives & Charity Events: Promoting health awareness and giving back to Edmonton.
- Family & Social Events
- Annual Summer Picnic: A fun outdoor gathering at various locations every year.
- Father’s Day Soccer Tournament: A friendly sports competition for dads and families.
- Mother’s Day Cultural Program: Celebrating mothers with music, poetry, and special activities.
- Iftar Gatherings: Community meals during Ramadan for breaking fast together.
- Education & Youth Programs
- Bangla Language & Music Classes: Teaching children and adults Bangla language and traditional songs.
- Partnerships with Student Groups: Collaborating with the Bangladesh Students’ Association for youth engagement.
Membership
The Bangladesh-Canada Association of Edmonton offers annual membership in five categories: family, single, student family, student single, and senior. All memberships are fee-based to help raise funds. Members can attend BCAE events at discounted rates, register their children for Bangla School at a reduced rate, participate in Member-Only events, rent the Bangladesh Center at a discounted rate, and vote in the election to compete for executive committee positions.
- Family Membership: The annual fee is $50. Family membership fees include spouses or common law partners with their minor (under 18 years of age) dependents and parents living in the same household.
- Single Membership: The annual fee is $30
- Student Family Membership: The annual fee is $30. Student family membership fees include spouses or common-law partners with their minor (under 18 years of age) dependents and parents living in the same household if at least one of them is a full-time student at any accredited post-secondary institution.
- Student Single Membership: The annual fee is $25
- Senior Membership: The annual fee is $25
Bangla School
A cornerstone of BCAE’s work is the Bangla School, established in 1983 to teach Bangla language and cultural traditions to new generations. Key features include:
- Curriculum: Bangla Language Class: Sundays, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (focus: language proficiency through cultural immersion).
Bangla Music Class: Sundays, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm (focus: traditional songs, creativity, and performance). - Affordable Access: Annual fees are $20 per program for BCAE members or $30 per program for non-members, plus nominal monthly charges. Non-members can convert to membership for discounts.
- Recognition: Affiliated with the International Heritage and Language Association (IHLA), ensuring globally aligned pedagogy.
Bangladesh Center
In 2022, BCAE inaugurated the Bangladesh Center, a dedicated facility in Edmonton for events, workshops, and community rentals. This space symbolizes the organization’s permanent presence and provides a hub for cultural activities. The center is not available on Sundays until 3:00 pm.
Bangladesh Center is located near Whitemud Business Park at 4271 95 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5R5
Team:
President: Md Tarek Sultam
Vice President: Sheikh Jalil
General Secretary: Mainul Hussain Khan
Treasurer: Mizanur Rahman Khan
Cultural Secretary: Shamsul Arefin Siddiqui Romel
Sports & Special Even Secretary: Manirul Alam
Publication & Public Relations Secretary: Mahtab Zaman
Youth Secretary: Rokshana Akhter Himi
Ex-Officio: Din Islam