The Bangladesh Student Association at Illinois State University has become one of the most influential student organizations on campus. Recognized as the top Registered Student Organization last year, BSA’s dedication to promoting cultural understanding and fostering has garnered widespread support.
It has built a community by organizing events that connect students from diverse backgrounds and celebrate Bangladeshi heritage.
BSA’s mission is to promote Bangladeshi culture, foster a sense of belonging and create an open environment for cultural exchange at ISU.
Mohoshour Rahman, General Secretary of BSA, shared his thoughts about the impact that BSA has on campus.
“I think BSA is a great platform for cultural exchange so that we can represent our culture and people can learn and collaborate with us in every way,” said Rahman.
Rahman credits the foundation laid by former president Sabiha Sultana, vice president Md Faiyaz Iqbal, and treasurer Imrah Ahsan for their role in elevating the organization to its current level.
“Our success goes to the previous committee members because I think they did a tremendous job. They put the benchmark so high! They did such a great job,” said Rahman.
BSA’s achievements are built on a strong leadership foundation. The organization’s ability to connect with both international and local students through cultural events has been key to its success.
BSA’s events have become some of the most anticipated on campus, providing a platform for students to explore and appreciate Bangladeshi culture while promoting inclusivity.
Some of its key events include the Food Festival, International Mother Language Day, and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebrations. Each offers a unique opportunity to showcase the rich traditions of Bangladesh while engaging students from diverse backgrounds.
On Feb. 21, International Mother Language Day is observed annually to honor the sacrifices made by students in Bangladesh who fought for the recognition of their native language, Bengali.
On this day, BSA not only celebrates the significance of language but also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
“For International Mother Language Day we try to be as vibrant and happy as possible. We try to represent our dance culture and everything. So yes, we are looking forward to it,” said Rahman.
Despite its successes, the organization has faced challenges, particularly when organizing large-scale events.
One of the biggest hurdles is preparing for events like the Food Festival, which often requires cooking for hundreds of people.
Rahman emphasizes that this collective effort is what makes BSA truly special.
“We couldn’t have done it without the old Bangladeshi community coming together because we were preparing food for 300 or 400 people,” said Rahman.
“I’m very thankful to them. I’m very thankful to the community.”
Through its events, BSA has experienced significant growth in recent years. This growth is reflected in the increasing diversity of its members. As the current leadership team looks to the future, they are focused on expanding BSA’s reach and impact on campus.
BSA’s success at ISU serves as an example of how cultural organizations can foster understanding, inclusivity and community through shared experiences.
As the organization continues to evolve, one thing is clear: BSA will remain a driving force for cultural exchange and unity at ISU, enriching the campus community for years to come.
For anyone interested in learning more about Bangladeshi culture or getting involved with BSA, the organization is open to new members.
LEXUS GRUSZKA is a News and Features Reporter. Gruszka can be reached at lagrus1@ilstu.edu.
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