Founded in 2014, the Malaysia Bangladesh Forum Association (MBFA) is a Bangladeshi community organization based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a non-political, non-religious, and socio-culturally unbiased organization registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS PPM-014-14-30102015), in Malaysia. The MBFA’s primary objective is to preserve Bangladeshi heritage and facilitate the assimilation of the Bangladeshi community into Malaysian society. The organization emphasizes the Bangla language and culture as integral components of Bangladeshi identity.
Vision
Foster friendship between Malaysians and Bangladeshis, celebrating and respecting each other’s traditions and values.
Mission
- Create a platform for Bangladeshis living in Malaysia to connect and share experiences.
- Promote and preserve Bangladeshi language, culture, and heritage.
- Brand Bangladesh in Malaysia and beyond.
- Foster strong relationships between Malaysians and Bangladeshis through interaction.
- Promote friendship, embrace diversity, and strengthen mutual trust and respect.
MBFA’s Core Activities
Malaysia Bangladesh Forum Association (MBFA) undertakes a diverse range of activities aimed at fostering community, preserving heritage, and promoting well-being among the Bangladeshi diaspora in Malaysia, while also strengthening ties with Malaysian society. Activities include:
- Community Building and Social Engagement: MBFA regularly organizes events to foster unity, strengthen bonds, and provide platforms for interaction among its members and the broader community. Examples: Family get-togethers, Eid Fest & Members Reunion, Iftar Mahfil, “Onnonnar Adda” (monthly women’s meet-up).
- Cultural Preservation and Promotion: A key focus is on celebrating and preserving Bangladeshi language, arts, and traditions, while also showcasing Bangladeshi culture to a wider audience. Examples: Organizing cultural events, observing national day celebrations, the Spring Festival (Basanta Utsav), launching the Art, Culture & Language Program (ACLP) focusing on the Bangla language, music, and dance, and strategic planning for “Branding Bangladesh.”
- Welfare, Support, and Community Development: MBFA provides assistance and resources to its members and fellow Bangladeshi citizens, addressing various needs and contributing to their overall well-being. Examples: Assistance to members and families in times of sickness, death, disaster, health screening camps, ongoing community engagement and welfare support initiatives, and the Breast Cancer Awareness Program.
- Education and Enrichment: The association offers opportunities for learning and personal development to members across various age groups. Examples Include Enrichment sessions for Bangladeshi children and families, as well as the launch of the Art, Culture, and Language Program (ACLP).
- Networking, Public Relations, and Advocacy: MBFA actively engages with external stakeholders, including government bodies, other organizations, and the media, to promote its mission and represent the community. Examples: Bilateral dialogue and networking between Malaysian and Bangladeshi stakeholders, courtesy visits and participation in national programs at the Bangladesh High Commission, robust media engagement, and business networking sessions with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs.
- Sports and Recreation: Promoting healthy living and camaraderie through sports and recreational activities. Examples: Friendly badminton tournaments, indoor games, sports events organized during Eid & reunion celebrations.
- Organizational Development and Operations: Essential activities ensuring the smooth functioning, growth, and compliance of the association. Examples: Formation of new Executive Council, annual planning and statutory update with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), updating membership registry, development of official communication systems, identification of permanent office space, annual budget planning and financial reporting, launch of the official MBFA website, roll-out of digital membership cards, archiving of event documentation.
Membership
- General Member: Bangladeshi citizens with Malaysian residency or valid visa, or Malaysians of Bangladeshi origin residing in Malaysia (age 18+, willing to contribute, proposed by an existing member, no criminal convictions, payment of fees).
- Associate Member: Open to all meeting general member criteria (no voting or holding office, annual renewable membership with valid residency/visa, and fee payment).
- Honorary Member: Appointed by the executive committee for significant societal contributions.
- Life Member: Meets general membership criteria, approved by the executive committee, and pays a lifetime membership fee.
- Youth (Student) Member: Age 16+, regular student in Malaysia with valid visa/residency/citizenship, willing to volunteer, pays fees (cannot vote or hold office, annual renewable membership).
Team:
President: Professor Dr. Md. Zahangir Alam
Vice President: Mohammad Shahidul Hassan
General Secretary: Captain Zakir Hossain
Treasurer: Md. Ruhul Amin Sarker
Organizing Secretary: Zafor Firoze
Head of Local Development (Malaysia): Md. Masudur Rahman
Head of Cultural Affairs: Dr. Mohua Roy Chowdhury
Head of Public Relations and Training: Tiasha Kabez
Head of Business & Partnership: Md. Kazi Nazrul Islam
Head of Membership & Welfare: Mahfuz Quaisar Apu
Head of Sports & Youth: Sonjoy Kumar Basak
Head of IT: Wasim Hassan Reza