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Far from their homeland but deeply connected to its traditions, hundreds of Bangladeshis gathered in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening to celebrate the language, culture and heritage that continue to bind their community together across borders.
The Family Eid Dinner and Cultural Night, organised by the Malaysia Bangladesh Forum Association (MBFA), transformed Berjaya Hall at Questraine Resort in Bukit Kiara into a vibrant showcase of Bangladeshi identity, where songs, poetry, dance and shared memories highlighted the enduring bond between expatriates and their roots.
Held from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the programme brought together diplomats, professionals, students, families and community leaders with a common purpose: preserving Bangla language and culture while passing them on to a younger generation growing up overseas.
The chief guest was Siddiqur Rahman, Minister (Labour) at the High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia. The event was presided over by MBFA President Professor Dr Jahangir Alam, while former president Professor Dr Abul Bashar delivered the welcome address. MBFA Organising Secretary Zafar Firoz and Apurba Mohona jointly hosted the programme.
The evening opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mohammad Raheb Al Alam, a student of MBFA’s Art, Culture and Language Programme (ACLP), followed by the national anthems of Bangladesh and Malaysia, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
Alongside the formal proceedings, which included the introduction of new members, a documentary on MBFA’s activities and the presentation of community awards, the cultural performances emerged as the centrepiece of the event.
Children and teenagers enrolled in the ACLP captivated the audience with Bangla songs, traditional dances and poetry recitations, demonstrating how language and culture can thrive even thousands of miles from Bangladesh. Malaysian performers Puan Sri Aisha and Cik Puan Hanim also took the stage, adding a cross-cultural dimension to the celebration.
A festive dinner, family networking sessions and a raffle draw conducted by Engineer Ronie Minhaj, Head of MBFA’s Media and IT Wing, added to the warm and celebratory atmosphere.
Addressing the gathering, Siddiqur Rahman stressed the importance of ensuring that children born and raised abroad remain connected to their linguistic and cultural heritage.
“Initiatives like this play a vital role in helping children born abroad preserve their mother tongue and cultural identity,” he said.
He commended MBFA for its sustained efforts to strengthen the Bangladeshi community in Malaysia and encouraged the organisation to further expand its educational and cultural programmes.
MBFA President Professor Dr Jahangir Alam said the large turnout reflected the unity and solidarity of Bangladeshis living in Malaysia.
“This gathering demonstrates the strength of our community and our shared commitment to preserving our heritage while building lasting friendships and cooperation,” he said.
He added that MBFA would continue organising programmes that promote cultural exchange, deepen Bangladesh-Malaysia friendship and contribute to the welfare of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Other speakers urged expatriates to project a positive image of Bangladesh through their professional achievements while strengthening community cooperation and preserving the country’s rich cultural traditions abroad.
At the conclusion of the programme, MBFA thanked its executive committee members, volunteers, sponsors, performers, media representatives and guests for contributing to the event’s success.
Founded in 2014 and registered with Malaysia’s Registrar of Societies (ROS), MBFA has grown into one of the country’s largest Bangladeshi social and cultural organisations. Through its non-political and secular platform, the association has spent more than a decade promoting Bangla language, culture and social harmony among expatriates.
A cornerstone of its work is the Art, Culture and Language Programme, launched in Kuala Lumpur in 2019 to help children born overseas develop a lasting connection with Bangladesh through Bangla language education, music, dance and cultural activities.
Participants said the Cultural Night was more than a festive gathering. For many families, it was a reminder that preserving language and traditions is essential to maintaining identity, ensuring that future generations remain connected to Bangladesh no matter where they call home.