By Akbar Haider Kiron  

 Jackson Heights, N.Y. — Speakers at the kickoff event of the 40th Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) Convention 2026 warned of what they described as coordinated efforts to undermine the ideals of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and urged unity to defend the country’s secular foundations.    The kickoff ceremony was held at Nabanna Party Hall in Jackson Heights and was inaugurated with a balloon release by Freedom Fighter and FOBANA Founding Chairman Dr. Nuran Nabi, the event’s chief guest. The program was organized by NRB Associates USA, host organization of the upcoming convention.  Presiding over the event was Nurul Amin Babu, convenor of the FOBANA Convention 2026, scheduled to be held in New York. Special guests included FOBANA Central Committee Chairman Zakaria Chowdhury and FOBANA Central Committee Executive Secretary Dewan Moniruzzaman, who attended from Canada.    In his keynote remarks, Dr. Nuran Nabi said he returned to FOBANA activities after learning that the 2026 convention had been dedicated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh.    “Bangladesh has experienced changes in political regimes, but Bangabandhu was never disrespected, nor was his historic residence at 32 Dhanmondi ever touched,” Dr. Nabi said. “Today, there are attempts—aligned with anti-Liberation forces—to erase his name. These efforts must be resisted.”  FOBANA Chairman Zakaria Chowdhury said participation in this year’s convention would be limited to organizations that uphold the spirit of the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, and the ideals of a secular Bangladesh.    “No organization that rejects these core values will be allowed to take part in FOBANA 2026,” Zakaria Chowdhury said.    Convenor Nurul Amin Babu called on pro-Liberation and progressive forces across the Bangladeshi diaspora to unite and actively engage in making the convention a success.    Other speakers included along with community leaders and cultural organizers Subrata Talukdar, Mithun Ahmed, Azharul Islam Chowdhury, Gopal Sanyal, Pinaki Talukdar, Dr. Dilip Nath, Rezaul Karim, Md. Azad, Shikrity Barua, AHM Ali Khabir, and Fakir Iliyas, among others and Abul Hamid and chief coordinator of FOBANA Convention 2026.  The program was hosted by Sharmin Siraj Sonia.  The evening concluded with a dinner and cultural program featuring performances by popular Bangladeshi singers Shah Mahbub, Reshmi Mirza, Shimul Khan, and Nazu Akhand.