Orlando, Florida, September 4, 2026 — The 40th FOBANA Convention officially got underway today at the Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks, marking a significant milestone for one of the largest annual gatherings of Bangladeshi Americans in North America. Running through September 6, the three day event brings together families, artists, community leaders and organizers from across the United States to mark four decades of shared heritage and cultural celebration.
The convention is being hosted by the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida, with support from several partner organizations including the Bangladesh Shomiti of Central Florida, the Bangladesh Society of Central Florida, the Association of World Fair and Fest USA Inc., and the Central Florida Sports Club. Together, these groups have spent months preparing the venue and putting together a program meant to reflect the full range of Bangladeshi culture and community life.
A Milestone Anniversary
This year’s convention carries special weight as it marks FOBANA’s 40th anniversary, a moment organizers describe as both a celebration of the past and a chance to look ahead. Mohammad Shamim Mridha, President of the 40th FOBANA Convention and a recognized freedom fighter of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, said the event stands as more than just a cultural gathering. He described it as an opportunity for Bangladeshi Americans to reconnect with one another, honor their roots and strengthen the sense of community that has kept FOBANA alive for four decades. Mridha urged families throughout the region to take part in the celebration, saying the success of the convention ultimately rests on the unity and support of the community itself.
Convener Anwar Hossain Sentu echoed that sentiment, noting that the organizing team had worked hard behind the scenes to transform the Holiday Inn property into a space that feels distinctly Bangladeshi, from its decorations to its overall atmosphere. He said particular care had gone into making the event welcoming for families, so that people across generations could take part together and enjoy the festivities as one community.
Programming Built Around Culture and Connection
Over the three days, attendees can expect a packed schedule that blends entertainment with substantive community discussion. More than a dozen seminars and panel discussions are planned, touching on topics ranging from business networking and real estate to youth empowerment and women’s leadership. Organizers say these sessions are designed to give community members a chance to exchange ideas and talk through issues that matter to Bangladeshi Americans nationwide.
Nazim Ullah Liton, Chief Coordinator of the event, said the goal was never simply to put together a series of cultural shows. Instead, he framed the convention as a broader celebration of Bangladeshi identity and community spirit, one that gives people from across the country a shared platform to reconnect with old friends, build new relationships and pass on cultural values to younger generations. Liton added that organizers hope the memories created over these three days will outlast the event itself and leave attendees with a deeper sense of belonging.
A.K.M. Hossain Hitu, who leads the Event Management Team, said that with most of the logistical preparations now complete, the focus has shifted to making sure guests feel safe, comfortable and fully included in the festivities. He emphasized that the host committee would maintain strong organization and security throughout the weekend so that families could enjoy themselves without concern. Hitu also pointed to the convention’s efforts to involve young Bangladeshi Americans directly in the program, saying it was important for the next generation to take an active role in keeping their cultural heritage alive within mainstream American life.
Music and Entertainment Take the Spotlight
Entertainment remains one of the biggest draws of the convention, and this year’s lineup includes performances by well known Bangladeshi musicians, among them singer Imran Mahmudul, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Zayed Khan, Akhi Alamgir, Dinat Jahan Munni, Sanjoy, whose appearance is expected to be a highlight of the weekend. The cultural program, led by eminent actor and Cultural Committee Convener Shahid Alam Sachchu, brings together composers, lyricists, singers, musicians and dancers for a series of performances meant to exhibit the depth and variety of Bengali artistic tradition. Sachchu said the aim was to present something fresh to audiences while still honoring the long history of Bengali, culture, music and performance, describing the collaboration between artists from different backgrounds as a way to give the show its own distinct character.
Beyond the main stage, the convention also features an extensive exhibition and vendor area, where attendees can browse traditional and contemporary Bangladeshi clothing, sample food from various vendors and connect with local businesses and entrepreneurs within the community.
Growing Interest Across the Country
Organizers say enthusiasm for this year’s convention has been building steadily in the weeks leading up to the event. Tareq Mahmud, Vice President of the 40th FOBANA Convention, who also serves as President of World Fair and Fest USA Inc., said preparations had drawn strong interest from Bangladeshi American communities in cities across the country. He described the convention as an important platform for people from different regions to come together, share in their common heritage and build stronger ties with one another.
As the weekend unfolds, Saturday’s schedule will feature the bulk of the seminars, panels and major musical performances, while Sunday will close out the convention with cultural showcases, final exhibitions and a grand finale intended to bring the three day celebration to a fitting end. For many attendees, the 40th FOBANA Convention represents not just a milestone anniversary, but a reminder of how far the Bangladeshi American community has come, and how strongly it continues to hold onto its roots while building a life in the United States.
COMMENTS