Leaders of the Chittagong Association of North America (CANA) held a press conference on Sunday June 8, 2026 in Jackson Heights to address ongoing controversies surrounding the organization, including election disputes, legal battles, and concerns over financial accountability.
Ariful Islam, secretary of the Chittagong Association of North America (CANA), opened the event by welcoming committee members, journalists and community leaders. He also delivered the conference’s prepared statement on behalf of the organization.
Founded nearly 37 years ago, CANA has served as a cultural, social and charitable organization for expatriates and families with roots in Chattogram. During the event, speakers paid tribute to several late community leaders and benefactors whose contributions helped establish and strengthen the organization over the years.
Association leaders said CANA faced significant challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including leadership disruptions following the death of former President Abdul Hai Zia. To ensure continuity, an interim committee was formed to oversee organizational affairs and prepare for new elections.
Leaders said the election was conducted peacefully and in accordance with established procedures. The election commission later announced the results based on vote tabulations provided by the independent management company. However, officials said the outcome was challenged by some unsuccessful candidates who questioned the results through social media campaigns and public criticism. A civil lawsuit was subsequently filed against the current executive committee, interim committee, election commission and election management company.
Current leaders described the litigation as an attempt to overturn the will of voters and said they remain committed to defending the election’s legitimacy through the legal process.
A substantial portion of the press conference focused on legal matters involving association assets. Officials discussed an incident that allegedly occurred in February 2025, when several individuals entered a CANA-owned property after business hours and attempted to take control of organizational assets.
According to association representatives, law enforcement authorities reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence, leading to criminal complaints and arrests. The case remains pending before the courts.
CANA President Abu Taher said the organization remains committed. “I am committed to holding the election on time,” Taher said. “However, ongoing legal issues have made it impossible to proceed as scheduled. If we step down from our responsibilities now, these disputes will remain unresolved. Our goal is to bring an end to these conflicts and restore unity within the diaspora community.”
Leaders also addressed an ongoing landlord-tenant dispute involving apartments owned by the organization. They alleged that unpaid rent obligations now exceed $97,000, prompting legal action after efforts to resolve the matter outside court were unsuccessful.
Former and current committee members emphasized the importance of organizational unity and responsible leadership.
“You cannot build a strong committee if its members betray one another from within,” said Secretary Ariful Islam . “Those who serve on the committee must be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. They should remain dedicated to serving humanity and upholding the organization’s values.”
Despite the ongoing disputes, officials highlighted several accomplishments during their tenure, including large-scale Eid celebrations, community gatherings, youth engagement initiatives, charitable assistance for bereaved families and free burial services for community members.
The press conference was attended by several current and former committee members, including Abdur Rahim, Mohammad Hanif, Mohammad Selim, Shahabuddin Chowdhury Liton, Abu Taleb Chowdhury Chandu, Zaman Chowdhury, Md. Kalam, Md. Moti, Md. T. Alam, Md. Shafique, Md. Nurul Amin, Imrul Kaysar, Md. Isha, Md. Nasir Uddin Mostafa, Aktar, Md. Mohib Uddin and Motiur Rahman Chowdhury.
