The Bangladesh Canada Association of Ottawa Valley (BACAOV), a non-profit organization based in Canada’s National Capital Region, was founded in April 1971 to respond to Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. Initially, a small group of Bangladeshis residing in Ottawa mobilized to raise awareness about Pakistan’s atrocities in the then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Through protests, fundraising campaigns, and advocacy efforts, they urged the Canadian government to support Bangladesh’s independence movement. The association continues to uphold its legacy by promoting Bangladeshi culture, heritage, and community engagement in the Ottawa region. BACAOV values diverse contributions and invites everyone to get involved and welcome all to promote cultural understanding and community engagement.
Objectives
The objectives of the Bangladesh Canada Association of Ottawa Valley are:
- To contribute to the vibrant and diverse mosaic of Canada.
- To promote and organize literary, cultural, social, and recreational activities that foster a sense of community among the Bangladeshi and Canadian communities.
- To establish a Bangladeshi Canadian Community Center with a banquet hall, auditorium, reception room, meeting room, senior support facilities, and a gymnasium.
- To uphold and support secular integrity and Bangla nationalism.
- To establish community support systems that address the needs of the Bangladeshi community members.
- To respond to the needs of the Bangladeshi community in Ottawa and beyond, including those arising from natural calamities in Bangladesh and other parts of the world.
- To provide a platform for discussions on national and international issues of concern and interest.
- To nurture and promote Bangladeshi identity in Ottawa.
Membership
Bangladesh Canada Association of Ottawa Valley (BACAOV) caters to Bangladeshi Canadians by offering three membership categories. Members can gain access to all the facilities provided by the association, including participating in activities and functions, attending the general meeting, and expressing comments or complaints directly to the Executive Committee.
- Honorary Member: Confer to any person who (subject to the discretion of the Advisory Council) has contributed substantially to the cause of Bangladesh and the Association.
- General Member: Bangladeshi Canadians, their spouses, and dependents are eligible for general membership of the Association. Bangladeshi students studying in Ottawa and their spouses can apply and be eligible for general membership.
- Associate Member: Canadians of other ethnic and national origin will be eligible for associate membership of the Association.
Funds collected from annual membership fees and donations are used for the association’s regular operations and activities.
BACAOV has 11 members on the executive committee and five members on the advisory body. The executive team is elected every three years.
Team
President: Syed Serajul Islam
Vice President: Gulam Kibria Titu
General Secretary: Anwar Hadi Parash
Joint Secretary: Sharif Uddin Bhuiyan
Treasurer: Mita Chowdhury
Organizing Secretary: Rayhan Arefin Bhuiyan
Cultural Secretary: Shohana Hossain
Sports Secretary: Abul Hashem
Social Media & IT Secretary: Shayeda Akter
Executive Member: Javed Chowdhury
Executive Member: Mohammad Hossain Dolon
Advisor Team
Advisor: Nurul Amin Chowdhury
Advisor: Sultana Shirin
Advisor: Sailesh Deb
Advisor: Guljahan Begum
Advisor: Kabir Chowdhury