The 46th North America Bengali Conference (NABC) has opened in New York, bringing together leading artists, filmmakers, writers and cultural personalities from Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal. The three-day event celebrates the Bengali language, culture and heritage and stands as one of North America’s largest gatherings of Bengali-speaking communities.
Bangladesh has sent a strong delegation that includes Chanchal Chowdhury, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Sabila Noor, Emon and writer Sadat Hossain, along with several other well-known personalities.
West Bengal has also joined the conference with a notable line-up featuring Rituparna Sengupta, Jisshu Sengupta, Sourav Das, Darshana Banik and Payel Sarkar, as well as many familiar faces from the film and cultural sectors.
Thousands of Bengalis from different parts of North America have travelled to attend the annual event. The conference offers a rich programme of literature, music, theatre, cinema, discussions and cultural performances. For many members of the Bengali diaspora, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with their language, culture and heritage.
The Bengali film showcase remains one of the conference’s major attractions. Bangladesh is presenting Bonolota Express, Saba and Domm, while West Bengal is screening Putul Nacher Itikotha, Deep Fridge and Devi Chowdhurani.
The organisers are also recognising outstanding contributions in different fields through special awards. The conference programme features discussions, cultural exchanges and interactive sessions involving writers, artists, filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts.
Actor Emon, who is attending the event, said participants had travelled from different states across North America after registering for the conference. He described NABC as one of the biggest gatherings of Bengali-speaking people and said the festival atmosphere reflects a shared celebration of the Bengali language and culture.
