James Anderson:
The Bangladesh American Media Foundation (BAMF) celebrated community excellence and cultural heritage with its BAMF Awards & Cultural Gala 2026, bringing Bangladeshi-American journalists, writers, educators, cultural figures, entrepreneurs, and community leaders together at Nabanno Auditorium in Jackson Heights, New York.
The evening unfolded in a festive setting decorated with artistic award crests, souvenir publications, visual presentations, and elegant stage design. The creative direction was led by BAMF director and photojournalist Nihar Siddiki, with support from Anisul Kabir Jashir and journalist Shah J. Chowdhury. Artist Abdullah Noman contributed graphic designs inspired by the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Although the program was scheduled for 7:00 PM, guests arrived early, greeting one another and sharing refreshments before the formal ceremony began. Around 8:15 PM, BAMF Founding President Akbar Haider Kiron and cultural personality Mosharraf Hossain inaugurated the program. Kiron then guided the awards ceremony from the stage.
The chief guest was Roquia Haider. Distinguished guests included Manzur Ahmed, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Kazi Montu, Sayeedur Rabb, Mir Bashar, Monirul Haque, and Monija Rahman. The cultural segment began with young U.S.-raised artist Alvan Chowdhury, who performed the patriotic Bengali song “O Amar Desher Mati” along with an English song.
This year’s lifetime achievement and special honors were presented to Iqbal Bahar Chowdhury, Sarkar Kabir Uddin, Masuma Khatun, and Roquia Haider. Special recognition awards went to Manzur Ahmed, Kazi Montu, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Sayeedur Rabb, M M. Shaheen, Shah Newaz, Mir Bashar, Helalul Karim, Mir Shibli, Monija Rahman, Shibbir Ahmed, Shakil Miah, and Sahitya Academy.
A community service recognition was also presented to Shakil Mia, president of the Jackson Heights Area Residents Association. Former Bangladesh Society president Mohammad Abdur Rob and entrepreneur Dulal Behedu delivered brief remarks.
In her remarks, Roquia Haider praised BAMF’s cultural vision and community engagement, noting the importance of programs that preserve identity and strengthen connections with younger generations born abroad.
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