The New Nation - Internet Edition

Fakir Selim From New York

The three-day 22nd Fobana Conference concluded on Sunday at Hotel Hilton in New York City with a call on expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States to play their due role in establishing democracy in Bangladesh.

The responsibility to hold the 23rd Fobana Conference next year was formally handed over to New Jersey Bangladesh Association from the conference. So, the next Fobana Conference will be held in New Jersey.

On the last day of the conference a discussion was held at Hilton Hotel with the Fobana convener Gias Ahmed in the chair. Participants at the discussion observed that it was very difficult to recover democracy once it was lost.

They also noted that democracy would not be fully functional unless the national election is held and state of emergency is not withdrawn.

Dhaka University vice-chancellor Prof SMA Faiz was the chief guest at the meeting, while politician Haider Akbar Khan Rono, journalists Rahat Khan, Alamgir Mohiuddin, Nurul Kabir and Golam Mostafa were special guests.

Joint Convener of the 22nd Fobana Zakaria Masud Ziko and member secretary Hasanuzzaman Hasan were present.

A large number of people thronged Hotel Hilton on Sunday evening to enjoy the Celebrity Night. The artistes coming from Bangladesh rendered songs till 1:15pm at the requests of the audience.

On the previous day, the Fobana Award was given to Nobel laureate Dr Yunus, Oscar winner Nafiz, Pundit Ravi Shankar, George Harrison, and distinguished Bangladeshis including Osman Chowdhury.

The 22nd Fobana Conference organised by America Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry was inaugurated on July 3.