Bangladesh Association of New Jersey (BANJ) is dedicated to promote the cultural and ethnic heritage of the Bangladeshi community in New Jersey. Every year, it organizes several cultural programs, seminars and an annual picnic to celebrate Bengali heritage and culture, and improve the communication among the members of the community. BANJ also acts as the representative of the Bangladeshi community of New Jersey to national events such as FOBANA (Forum of Bangladeshi Associations of North America) Conference, Nazrul Conference, and other cultural and literary conferences. BANJ has been active in addressing issues in local and national areas. Members of BANJ participate on various local and national forums that serve the interests of Bangladeshi community. It also uses its resources to help critical causes such as helping the flood victims of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Association of New Jersey (BANJ) has the following key objectives:
- Promote Bangla culture and heritage among the new generation of Bangladeshi-Americans;
- Improve friendship and interaction among members of Bangladeshi community;
- Advance the welfare of Bangladeshi communities in USA;
- Reach out to all, regardless of country of origin, religion, race or color;
- Observe Bangladesh National Days (Language Day/Ekushey, Victory Day/Bijoy Dibosh and Independence Day/Shadinotha Dibosh);
- Involve new generation of Bangladeshi-Americans for leadership roles;
- Help learn new generation of Bangladeshi-Americans how to read and write Bangla language;
- Teach new generation about the the immense wealth of Bangla literature, poetry and political background of Bangalees;
- Encourage the youth in volunteering at nursing homes, senior citizen center etc.;
- Establish a Bangladeshi Community Center.