The Chittagong Association of North America Inc. held its much-anticipated annual picnic in a festive atmosphere at Heckscher State Park in New York on July 12, drawing nearly 2,000 members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community from Chattogram. The daylong gathering transformed the scenic park into a lively reunion, celebrating the region’s heritage, culture, and community spirit.
The event was presided over by the association’s President, Mohammad Abu Taher, while prominent businessman and Founder of the Abdul Kader Miah Foundation, Abdul Kader Miah, inaugurated the program as the chief guest. In his opening remarks, Kader Miah emphasized the importance of such community events in preserving Chattogram’s traditions, culture, and social bonds among expatriates. He also praised the organizers for their continued efforts in strengthening community ties.
Following the inauguration, President Mohammad Abu Taher welcomed attendees and expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming participation. The event was coordinated and hosted by General Secretary Mohammad Ariful Islam, who also oversaw the prize distribution ceremony and overall event management.
From early morning, the park was filled with a festive atmosphere as families and friends reunited after long periods apart. Attendees exchanged greetings, shared memories, and enjoyed conversations in the Chittagonian dialect, while younger generations were introduced to the language and cultural traditions of their ancestral homeland.
Guests were served bananas and croissants for breakfast, while children participated in drawing competitions and various outdoor games. A traditional pillow-passing game for women entertained the audience, adding to the festive spirit. A delicious lunch was later served, accompanied by refreshments including watermelon, spicy puffed rice (jhalmuri), and sweet betel leaf.
The cultural segment featured performances by popular singers Tina Russell, Rajib, and other artists, whose musical performances kept the audience entertained throughout the afternoon. The event concluded with an exciting raffle draw and prize distribution ceremony.
Among those in attendance were the association’s Founding President Abdur Rahim; former Presidents Muhammad Hanif and Kazi Shakhawat Hossain Azam; Founding Treasurer and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees Alhaj Shamsul Alam Chowdhury; former General Secretaries Alhaj Monir Ahmed, Muhammad Selim, Afsar Uddin, and CPA Sarwar Zaman; Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kamal Hossain Mithu; Trustees Enam Chowdhury, Syed Mosharraf Hossain Babar, Abu Taleb Chowdhury Chandu, Abul Kashem Chattala, Mizanur Rahman Jahangir, and Tarikul Haider Chowdhury; as well as Advisory Council members Sarwar Hossain, Shahabuddin Chowdhury Liton, Mohammad Didarul Alam, Jamal Chowdhury, Mohammad Zakir, Muhammad Mujibur Rahman, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Abul Kalam, and Muhammad Abdullah Al Mamun.
Convener Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Member Secretary Chowdhury Aziz, and Chief Coordinator Mohammad Isa also addressed the gathering. Various committees successfully managed finance, membership, hospitality, sports, food services, logistics, and event operations through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and executive members.
Organizers said the annual picnic not only strengthened unity and brotherhood among expatriate Chattogram residents but also provided an opportunity for the younger generation growing up abroad to connect with their language, heritage, and cultural identity. Attendees praised the association’s well-organized arrangements, warm hospitality, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The program concluded with the Chittagong Association of North America Inc. expressing sincere appreciation to all sponsors, volunteers, performers, guests, and participants who contributed to the event’s success. The association’s leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing similar initiatives that preserve Chattogram’s heritage and strengthen community bonds among the Bangladeshi diaspora in North America.
