Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) is an umbrella of Bangladeshi American living in USA and Canada. FOBANA celebrates the success of Bangladeshi American community in North America. Since its inception in 1987, it has been working tirelessly to introduce Bangladeshi culture to the next generation who are growing up in the United States and Canada. The organization is based in Washington D.C., USA. Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) also celebrates and uphold the multicultural aspect of the American society by introducing Bangladeshi culture and tradition to other communities. Under the slogan of “FOBANA is an institution, not just an annual convention”, the organization set out to engage more with Bangladeshi community.
FOBANA is a non-profit, non-political and non-discriminatory, IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt (Tax ID 26-1747615) organization. FOBANA has been received appreciation for its work to assimilate Bangladeshi people with the mainstream of North American society. The organization is a symbol of hope, aspiration and a unifying force behind bringing Bangladeshi community together. The organization accepts donations from businesses, corporations and individuals for general and scholarship fund.
Some of the aims that FOBANA wants to accomplish are following:
- Annual convention every two years
- National seminar on Bangladesh Issues
- Showcase of Bangladeshi talents
- Develop new leadership from young Bangladeshis
- Help Bangladeshi senior citizens to leave a happy and healthy life
- Help develop women leadership
- Practice democracy
- Maintain a strong communication with Bangladesh and US leadership
- Lobby for Bangladesh in USA and Canada
- Celebrate diversity
- Access to foundation funds, etc.
Executive Member Organizations of FOBANA
Bangladesh American Association of Georgia (BAAG), Georgia
Bangladesh Association of Greater Washington DC
Bangladesh Association of Florida (BAF), Florida
Bangladesh Association of America Inc. (BAAI)
Bangladesh Association of Houston (BAH), Texas
Bangladesh Association of Montreal, Canada
Bangladesh Association of Georgia Inc., (BAGI), Georgia
Bangladesh Association for Greater Kansas City (BAGKC), Kansas
Bangladesh Association of New Jersey (BANJ), New Jersey
Bangladesh Association of North Texas (BANT), Texas
Bangladesh Community of Greater Chicago (BCGC), Illinois
Bangladesh Community of Los Angeles (BCLA), California
Bangladesh Expatriate Society of Texas (BEST), Texas
Drama Circle, New York
Texas Bengali Cultural Alliance (TBCA), Texas
FOBANA Standing Committees
• Bangladesh Liaison Committee
• Legal Committee
• Business and Investment Committee
• Unification Committee
• Constitution and Procedure Review Committee
• Media and Public Awareness Committee
• Seminar Committee
• Women Empowerment Committee
• Cultural Committee
• Budget and Finance Committee
• Mainstream Liaison Committee
• Membership Review Committee
• Social Network Committee
• Youth Forum Committee
• Goodwill and Promotion Committee
Fees
Organization Registration (For a performance slot and qualified members get voting rights at AGM): $250
Annual Organization Membership: $50
Annual Individual EC Membership: $50