The Bangladesh Society has taken the initiative to organize the "Bangladesh Day Parade" in New York, which will take place on Sunday, April 13. Organizers expect 15,000 to 20,000 expatriate Bangladeshis to gather, with participation from over fifty organizations from the diaspora. The Grand Marshal for the parade will be Lion Shah Newaz, the owner of Shah Newaz Group, while prominent businessman and politician Gias Ahmed has been appointed as the Chief Advisor. These details were shared during a "Meet the Press" event.
On February 26, a press conference was held at the Nabanna Party Hall in Jackson Heights, where community activist Fahad Sulaiman welcomed attendees. The conference was attended by several key figures, including Trustee Board Chairman and former president M. Aziz, president Ataur Rahman Selim, vice president Kamruzzaman Kamrul, general secretary Mohammad Ali, community board chair of the Bronx Advocate N. Majumder, community activist Kazi Azam, prominent businessman Abul Fazal Diderul Islam, and several others. The event was conducted by Fahad Sulaiman and former society officer J. Molla Sani.
It was announced at the conference that the Parade Committee's Chairman will be Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim, with General Secretary Mohammad Ali serving as the convener and Fahad Sulaiman as the secretary. So far, ten organizations have registered to participate. The parade will be held from 8 AM to 2 PM, with the main parade starting at 11 AM.
During the press conference, questions were raised regarding the Society's activities, particularly regarding the role of the Trustee Board and the selection process for the Grand Marshal and Chief Advisor. M. Aziz voiced his concerns, stating that the parade was organized without consultation with the Trustee Board, and he wanted clarification on how the Grand Marshal and Chief Advisor were chosen. He emphasized his long-standing contributions to the Society, having been president twice and Trustee Board Chairman for 12 years.
In response to Aziz’s criticism, President Ataur Rahman Selim stated that such matters should be discussed in the Society's office, not at the press conference. He expressed the desire for cooperation from everyone and emphasized the need for respect and honor within the community.
Furthermore, it was clarified that according to the Society's constitution, the Trustee Board does not play a direct role in the day-to-day operations or decision-making. Only the executive committee is responsible for organizing events, with Trustee Board approval required only for expenditures exceeding $25,000.
