With a strong message of medical education, research, professional excellence, humanitarian service and collaboration, the Central Bangladesh Medical Association of North America (Central BMANA) Annual Convention 2026 was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The four-day convention, held from July 30 to August 2 at the Tropicana Resort, brought together more than 500 physicians, their families, educators, community leaders and distinguished guests from different parts of the United States and Canada.
The central theme of the convention was how the knowledge, experience and expertise gained by Bangladeshi physicians in North America could be utilized to improve healthcare and humanitarian services in Bangladesh and beyond. Speakers also emphasized strengthening collaboration between physicians in Bangladesh and North America in the areas of medical education, research, technology and professional development.
The convention was chaired by Central BMANA President Dr. Fazlul Yusuf. Dr. Mujibur Rahman Majumder served as Convention Chair, while Dr. Jamal Uddin was the Chief Coordinator. The successful completion of the convention was made possible through the collective efforts of various committees under the leadership of organizers and the coordination of General Secretary Dr. Khandaker Masudur Rahman.
Distinguished Guests Attend Convention
The chief guest of the convention was New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell.
Special guests included Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., renowned medical educator Professor Dr. Conrad Fischer, Member of Parliament of Bangladesh Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Liton, and Badiul Alam Majumdar, Founder and Secretary of Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), a prominent citizens’ organization advocating for good governance.
Through video messages, greetings were extended by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, founder of Grameen Bank and former Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus; renowned cardiologist Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman; and distinguished cardiac surgeon Dr. Jahangir Kabir.
Honors Presented for Outstanding Contributions
Recognizing contributions to medicine, public health, humanitarian leadership, education and culture, several distinguished individuals were honored during the convention.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus received the Central BMANA Lifetime Global Humanitarian Leadership Award.
Dr. Jahangir Kabir was awarded the Central BMANA Medal of Medical Excellence for his outstanding contribution to healthcare.
Professor Dr. Conrad Fischer was honored for his contribution to medical education and humanitarian activities, Professor Dr. M. A. Faiz received recognition for his lifelong contribution to medicine and public health, and Dr. Hubert D’Cruz was honored for his contributions to medicine and culture.
Participation of Delegates from Bangladesh
Several distinguished physicians and guests from Bangladesh participated in the convention.
Among them were Dr. Kazi Saifuddin Bennur, Director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council; Professor Dr. Abdus Shakur Khan, Vice Principal of Anwer Khan Modern Medical College; Professor Ali Hossain, President of Bangladesh Lung Foundation; Professor Rahmanullah Bari; Dr. Arman Siddique of Grameen HealthTech Limited; and Moinuddin Chowdhury of Grameen Kalyan.
The participation of physicians, researchers, educators and community leaders from Bangladesh, the United States and Canada created opportunities for meaningful discussions on future international collaboration.
Scientific Sessions and Continuing Medical Education
One of the major highlights of the convention was its scientific and educational program.
A medical journal and convention souvenir published on the occasion featured research articles, the history and activities of Central BMANA, achievements of members and contributions of distinguished personalities. The publication was edited by Dr. Zahid Dewan Shamim and Dr. Ashraful Haque.
The scientific sessions included Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, providing physicians with an opportunity to earn 10 CME credits.
Experts presented on a wide range of topics, including pulmonary and critical care medicine, sleep medicine, infectious diseases, emergency medicine, public health, cardiology and other contemporary medical issues.
The CME program was coordinated by Dr. Kaniz Banu Himi and Dr. Riaz Ferdous Shibli. Their planning and leadership ensured that the scientific sessions focused on professional advancement and the enhancement of physicians’ knowledge and skills.
Non-CME sessions addressed healthcare management, professional leadership, technology utilization, social responsibility, healthy lifestyles and potential collaborative initiatives between physicians in Bangladesh and North America.
Career Development and Family Programs
A special career and leadership development workshop for young physicians was conducted by Dr. Mohammad Hossain Mintu.
The workshop focused on residency, fellowship opportunities, advanced training, research, professional networking and leadership development. Organizers said such platforms play an important role in supporting the professional growth of future generations of Bangladeshi physicians.
Another important feature of the convention was its family-centered programs. Special activities were arranged to encourage participation by physicians’ spouses, women members and children.
Led by Dr. Zarin Al-Tariq and Dr. Rumana Sabur, the Women’s Alliance and children’s programs featured discussions on women’s health, family values, leadership, social engagement, culture and personal development.
Children and teenagers participated in educational activities, competitions, entertainment programs and cultural events.
Cultural Programs and Social Activities
The cultural programs were coordinated by Dr. Kazi Rahman Sajal and Dr. Bornali Hasan.
The Gala Night cultural program began with a poetry recitation by renowned recitation artist Dr. Faruk Azam. Popular singers Kona and Imran later performed for the audience.
Other activities included an ocean cruise, family cultural programs, networking sessions and a family picnic.
The convention also featured a screening of the Oscar-winning short documentary “All the Empty Rooms,” which highlights the devastating reality of gun violence and school shootings in the United States. The film delivered a powerful message about the importance of building a safer society.
Successful Coordination and Media Coverage
The successful organization of this large-scale convention was made possible through the dedicated efforts of various committees.
Dr. Mostafa Hasan Shamim, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Tinku, Dr. Shah Alam Rony, Dr. Ataul Chowdhury Tushar and Dr. Nafizur Rahman played key roles in venue management, finance, guest relations, registration, communications, scheduling and departmental coordination.
Financial management and coordination responsibilities were handled by Dr. Shah Alam Rony, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Tinku and Dr. Ataul Chowdhury Tushar.
Dr. Kazi Al-Tariq, Dr. A. B. Siddiqui and Dr. Ataul Osmani provided guidance as advisors throughout different stages of the convention.
The official media partner of the convention was Time TV. The network covered and broadcasted scientific sessions, speeches by guests, award ceremonies, cultural programs, gala dinner and other important moments of the event.
Through social media livestreams, YouTube coverage and special news reports, the convention reached audiences in Bangladesh, the United States, Canada and other countries, highlighting the professional achievements and organizational activities of Bangladeshi physicians abroad.
New Executive Committee Announced
During the closing session, Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Kazi Al-Tariq announced the newly elected Executive Committee of Central BMANA.
The newly elected officials are:
President: Dr. Mujibur Rahman Majumder
Vice President: Dr. Ataul Osmani
General Secretary: Dr. Khandaker Masudur Rahman
Treasurer: Dr. Zahid Dewan Shamim
Organizing Secretary: Dr. Rumana Sabur
Scientific Secretary: Dr. Riaz Ferdous Shibli
Cultural and Social Secretary: Dr. Kazi Rahman Sajal
Young Physicians Affairs Secretary: Dr. Mohammad Hossain Mintu
Members-at-Large: Dr. Belayet Hossain, Dr. Amirul Islam and Dr. Kaniz Banu Himi
The newly elected committee expressed its commitment to strengthening the organization, launching new initiatives in medical education and research, supporting the professional growth of young physicians, expanding public health and humanitarian activities, and enhancing collaboration between physicians in Bangladesh and North America.
Building a Bridge Through Knowledge and Service
The Atlantic City convention was more than a gathering of Bangladeshi physicians abroad. It emerged as a platform for professional excellence, knowledge exchange, humanitarian responsibility and leadership development.
The convention concluded with a renewed commitment to utilizing the achievements, knowledge and expertise of Bangladeshi physicians in the diaspora for the greater benefit of humanity and building stronger bridges between the medical communities of Bangladesh and North America.
