Florida, United States – The 40th FOBANA Convention, scheduled to be held from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks, located at 3011 Maingate Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34747, is drawing increasing interest among Bangladeshi American communities across Central Florida and beyond. Organizers have stepped up preparations for the three day gathering, with a wide range of cultural, social and community activities planned for the convention.
The final preparatory meeting was held on September 18 at 8 p.m. at Bombay Grill in Orlando, chaired by Convention Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu. Member Secretary Russel Miah conducted the meeting, which was attended by members responsible for various subcommittees.
Among those who participated in the discussions were Shahid Alam Sachchu, Nazim Ullah Liton, Murad Hossain, AKM Hossain Hitu, Asif Kazi Choton, Sayed Choudhury, Shaiful Bhuiyan Dulu, Mohammad Shafi, Tareq Mahmud, Monir Hossain, Mohsin Mia, Naznin Hossain and Abu Tayf, among others.
Event Management Convener A.K.M. Hossain said committee members would have clearly defined responsibilities throughout the convention. He said designated volunteers would oversee backstage operations, while arrangements would be made for attendees to take photographs with participating artists. Organizers are also planning city tours for guests, and an information desk will remain operational throughout the event.
Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton said preparations for the souvenir and other communication materials had been completed as part of the final preparations for the convention. He said the organizers were determined to make the upcoming event an exceptional and memorable gathering for the Bangladeshi American community, with particular emphasis on celebrating Bangladeshi culture,
heritage and community spirit. According to him, the convention would provide an important platform for Bangladeshis living in different parts of the United States to come together, strengthen their social and cultural bonds and share their experiences. A range of cultural programs, community activities and social engagements would be organized to ensure that participants of different ages could take part in the festivities.
He expressed hope that the three day convention would leave a lasting impression on visitors and guests while further strengthening the sense of unity and belonging within the Bangladeshi American community.
Co-Convener Bahar Hossain, who is also the Secretary of the Central Florida Sports Club, called for greater efforts to raise funds through individual networks. He said a collective fundraising drive would help address the remaining organizational challenges and ensure the smooth completion of preparations for the convention. He urged committee members and supporters to make greater use of their personal and community networks to mobilize financial support for the event.
Vice President Tareq Mahmud, who is also President of World Fair and Fest USA Inc., said enthusiasm for the convention is growing steadily, with Bangladeshi Americans from different cities across the United States expected to attend. He said the gathering would provide an important opportunity for members of the community from different regions to come together, celebrate their shared cultural heritage and strengthen their social and community ties.
Assistant Member Secretary Murad Hossain said the attractive Orlando location had generated considerable interest in the convention. He called for greater support from the Bangladeshi American community and urged community members to help promote the event widely through social media and other communication platforms. He expressed hope that broader publicity would encourage greater participation and help make the convention a successful and memorable gathering.
Cultural Program to Feature Diverse Performances
The cultural program of the 40th FOBANA Convention will feature a diverse range of performances highlighting the richness and diversity of Bengali culture.
Convener of the Cultural Committee of the 40th FOBANA and eminent cultural activist Shahid Alam Sachchu told The Voice that the organizers are planning a program that will bring together composers, lyricists, singers, musicians, and other performers.
“We want to present something new and diverse through the cultural program,” he said, adding that bringing together different creative talents would give the event a distinctive dimension.
According to Sachchu, the program will seek to explore the diverse traditions, artistic expressions, and cultural heritage of the Bengali people, whose culture has evolved through a long and rich history. The organizers hope the performances will offer audiences a vibrant cultural experience while showcasing the depth and diversity of Bengali cultural traditions.
Focus on Funding and Hospitality
Chairman of the Finance Committee Ishaq Ali called on members and supporters to purchase convention packages and gala dinner tickets as part of efforts to strengthen the financial arrangements for the event. He urged community members to extend their support to the organizers and contribute to the successful staging of the convention.
Co-convener Sayed Choudhury said the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida has a strong record of organizing successful community programs. He expressed confidence that the 40th FOBANA Convention would receive strong participation from the Bangladeshi American community and become a successful and memorable event.
FOBANA Returns to Orlando After 14 Years
The 40th FOBANA Convention will be held in Orlando from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida serving as the host organization.
FOBANA is returning to Orlando after a 14 year gap, with organizers expecting the convention to draw Bangladeshi Americans from Florida and other states across the United States.
The convention venue, located approximately three miles from Walt Disney World, is expected to be one of the major attractions for participants and visitors. The Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks offers extensive convention facilities that will host the main activities of the three day gathering.
The program will include seminars, youth focused sessions, cultural program and other community activities. Organizers are placing particular emphasis on Saturday and Sunday, when the main cultural program and artist performances are scheduled to take place.
Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton said the return of FOBANA to Orlando after 14 years was a significant occasion for the local Bangladeshi American community. He said the convention would provide an opportunity for community members from different parts of the United States to come together, celebrate their cultural heritage and strengthen their social and community ties.
An Active Host Committee Working on Convention
A large host committee is working to organize the 40th FOBANA Convention, with a team of community leaders and volunteers overseeing various aspects of the three day event.
The host committee includes Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu, Member Secretary Russel Miah, Executive Member Secretary Murad Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton and Convenor of Event Management A.K.M. Hossain Hitu.
The committee is headed by Host Committee President Mohammad Shamim Mridha. Other senior officials include Senior Vice President Shaiful Bhuiyan Dulu, Executive Vice President Shams U Shovon, and Vice Presidents Tarek Mahmud, Romel Hossain, Shafique Chowdhury, Jason Chowdhury and Naim Khan Dadan.
Ishaq Ali serves as Finance Convener, while Said Chowdhury, Nazim Uddin Nadim and Bahar Hossain serve as Co-Convener. Mostafa Firoz is the Finance Co-Convener.
Organizers said a significant number of food and clothing vendors are expected to participate in the convention. Shams U Shovon said vendors interested in setting up stalls for products other than clothing could contact the organizers.
Those who have not yet purchased convention packages have been asked to contact Chief Coordinator Nazim Ullah Liton at 321 295 3803.
Host Committee President and freedom fighter Mohammad Shamim Mridha said Orlando’s appeal as a major destination in Florida would add a special dimension to the convention. He expressed hope that the city’s attractions would encourage families from different parts of the United States to attend the event.
Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu said the large convention Centre and the entire Holiday Inn property would be decorated and presented in a distinctly Bangladeshi atmosphere. He said the venue would provide an opportunity for families to enjoy the convention together, while participating Bangladeshi artists and sponsors would make important contributions to the program.
Member Secretary Russel Miah presented an overview of the convention’s finances and called for close coordination among committee members and volunteers.
“This is a large convention, and we are all hosts,” he said, urging volunteers to guide and assist guests throughout the event.
Russel Miah also invited Bangladeshi American families to attend the three day gathering and expressed
confidence that the community’s unity, cooperation and collective support would contribute to the success of the convention.
The Bangladesh Association of Central Florida is hosting the 40th FOBANA Convention, with the Bangladesh Shomiti of Central Florida, the Bangladesh Society of Central Florida, the Association of World Fair & Fest USA Inc., and the Central Florida Sports Club participating as partner organizations.
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