Activity Report of the Canada Bangladesh Muslim Society (CBMS) for 2024
The year 2024 has been a fruitful year for the Canada Bangladesh Muslim Society (CBMS). All CBMS Executive Committee members and volunteers are to be credited for the society’s success in reaching its goals and objectives. The main activities are highlighted below.
Faruq Haider joined CBMC in January 2024. Since then, he quickly familiarized himself with the CBMS’ modus operandi and assumed responsibility for several areas. His wife, Arifun Asma, and son, Ryan Haider, also volunteered as part of the CBMS family.
CBMS received its charitable status effective February 6, 2024. Zamil Zaman took a lead role in gathering the pertinent papers and sought help from other team members. CBMS thanks all its members
(such as Sohel Ahmed, Maksudur Rahman, etc.) who worked on this file to make it a success. In particular, CBMS acknowledges the advice of Dr. Mohammad Moniruzzaman, who previously worked for CRA and has first-hand knowledge.
CBMS held its Annual Iftar Mahfeel at the Ukrainian Banquet Hall on March 15, 2024. The event had three components: an Essay Competition, the Young Leaders Award, and fundraising led by Imam Zijad Delich. Over 300 guests participated, and CBMS raised $63,000 for its Orphan Students Scholarship Program. Nawshaba Zaman, the volunteer coordinator, did an excellent job. The Committee members for the Essay Competition were Nasim Chowdhury, Selina Rahman, and Sanjeda Chowdhury.
In May 2024, Faruq Haider joined the Summer Student Employment Selection Committee and took a lead role in drafting the Interview Instructions and Statement of Work. The other Committee members were Zamil Zaman, Mohammad Kamruzzaman, and Seema Chowdhury.
CBMS, in partnership with Masjid Billal of Orléans, completed its Seventh Blood Donor Clinic on June 22, 2024, in conjunction with the Canadian Blood Services. This initiative was successful. Iqbal Rahman was the lead person for this, and Zamil Zaman, Tareque Hossain, and Mustafa Chowdhury teamed up with him. CBMS thanked all those who generously donated blood to satisfy Allah SWT and the volunteers who helped organize the event.
CBMS employed one summer student, Scharara Islam, in July 2024. The employment was made available through the constituency of Marie France Lalonde in Orleans. In previous years, it was provided by Chandra Arya of the Nepean constituency. Arefin Kabir supervised the student and was pleased with Islam’s work. Islam did an outstanding job. CBMS intends to continue hiring summer students through the federal government’s summer student employment program.
On July 27, 2024, CBMS held its yearly Awareness Session at Petawawa Centennial Park. The event attracted over 200 people and allowed guests to exchange ideas. Tarek Hossain, who had several volunteers, was the key leader for this event.
On 14 August 2024, a cheque for $2,000 was given to Mandy Arsenault, Community Engagement Officer, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
In October, Faruk Haider took over the Summer Student Employment file from Tarek Ali, who had been responsible for it. Tarek Ali is to be commended for his work on this file since the beginning of the summer students’ program for CBMS. Faruq took on refreshing and submitting a funding proposal initially led by Tarek Ali. Faruq worked on the Grant Applications and suggested improving CBMS financial documentation and ensuring traceable, auditable records for fundraising, expenses, and charitable distributions.
In December, CBMS EC Member Tanvir Ahmed resigned for personal reasons. CBMS gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Tanvir Ahmed, his wife, Farhana Rahman, and their daughters, Tanesha Medha and Ariana Pritha. CBMS will miss them. However, CBMS is pleased to note that the Ahmeds have assured CBMS of their ongoing monetary support even though they will live in the States.
CBMS has signed a contract with Mosaic, a large Convention Centre, to organize its Iftar Mahfeel and fundraising event on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
In addition to local organizations, such as Islamic Relief Canada (IRC), Human Concern International (HCI), and Bilal Masjid, CBMS has made extra efforts to network with other charitable organizations to raise its stature. CBMS’ Vice President, Zamil Zaman, and his family attended the Revival of Islamic Spirit (RIS) Convention in December 2024. There, he connected with representatives of the following: (1) International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF); (2) Penney Appeals; (3) Human Appeals Canada; (4) Muslim Welfare Canada; (5) Scarborough Muslim Association; (6) Assunnah Muslim Association; (7) Muslim Hands; (8) Kanata Muslim Association; (9) MATW-Project (Muslim Around the World); CBMS hopes that these organizations will participate in CBMS’ Iftar Mahfeel in 2025.
The Orphan Students Scholarship Program ceremony for 2024 was held on January 7, 2025, in conjunction with SUROVI, at its Dhaka-based premises in Dhanmondi. CBMS awarded scholarships to 110 orphan students studying in different schools nationwide. Abu Taher, SUROVI’s Executive Director, made elaborate arrangements for the program, which about 200 people participated in. Mustafa Chowdhury, CBMS President, was present with Ali Idris, Syed Akhter Yousuf, and Nazir Ahmed Bepari.
The distribution ceremony included speeches from representatives of CBMS and SUROVI. Some students of Surovi’s school performed a short cultural performance.
Some students narrated their experiences and spoke confidently, revealing their determination to continue their studies with the financial help received from CBMS.
CBMS needs to become more paper-oriented, professional, transparent, and accountable. Alomgir Hossain and Ishtiaque Zahid, CBMS’ Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, worked on various lists such as the Guest List, Picnic List, and Donor List and extracted pertinent information to streamline the documentation process for tax receipt. CBMS is paying attention to how everyone’s work is distributed evenly, ensuring that no person is doing more than the other and that no one gets burned out.
CBMS constantly reminds itself of the adage: “United we stand, divided we fall.”
CBMS thanks its partners and patrons for their ongoing support. May Almighty bless us all.
Mustafa Chowdhury
President
CBMS
February 8, 2025