Jalalabad Association of America

Founded in 2014, the Jalalabad Association of America, Inc. is a non-profit (501(c) tax-exempt organization for people originally from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh, specifically the Jalalabad area. (Jalalabad” honors Hazrat Shah Jalal, a revered Sufi Muslim figure in Bangladesh). Based in New York City, the Jalalabad Association of America is committed to six core values: unity, inclusiveness, honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability. These values guide the association’s mission to promote the well-being of Sylheti people living in the United States.

The association supports new immigrants from the Sylhet region by helping them integrate into American life. It offers various programs, including education and leadership development, social development, community service opportunities, advocacy, and leadership training. The association also awards scholarships to deserving and talented students who are new immigrants from Bangladesh (when funding allows).

The association represents the broader Sylhet region, including Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, and Sunamganj districts.

Mission, Vision, & Values
The JAA’s mission is to strengthen community ties, promote Sylheti heritage, and support educational and social initiatives. Its activities reflect core principles of cultural preservation, community service, and inclusivity of people of the greater Sylheti area. The association emphasizes integrity, as evidenced by its membership requirements, which require truthful information and follow constitutional guidelines.

Programs and Activities
The Jalalabad Association of America (JAA) aims to implement various programs to uplift the Bangladeshi-American community, particularly those with ties to Sylhet. These initiatives aim to emphasize cultural preservation, social welfare, civic engagement, and practical support for immigrants:

Cultural Preservation & Community Engagement
The JAA anchors its efforts in celebrating Sylheti heritage through events like Sylhet cultural events, visiting celebrity receptions, etc. These activities foster pride in shared traditions while bridging generational gaps. Additionally, it organizes Iftar parties during Ramadan, annual picnics, and advocacy campaigns to educate members about their roots, ensuring cultural continuity in diaspora communities.
Education & Youth Empowerment: The association offers education through scholarships, skill-building events, internship opportunities, and career counseling for underprivileged Bangladeshi-American youth. These partnerships with academic institutions and mentorship programs enhance access to resources for their professional growth.
Immigrant Support & Integration
New immigrants from Sylhet receive assistance, including orientation, language support, and guidance on navigating life in the USA. The JAA aids with job searches, affordable housing, tax filing, and healthcare access, easing the transition for newcomers. Outreach activities like legal help and cultural orientation sessions help families adapt to their new environment.
Social Welfare & Member Assistance
Beyond crisis response (e.g., disaster relief, winter aid for the homeless), the JAA offers ongoing support to vulnerable members, including information about unemployment assistance and subsidized services.
Healthcare Access & Gender Equity
Collaborations with Bangladeshi medical professionals to provide underserved members with free or low-cost healthcare services. Women’s empowerment programs, including vocational training and leadership workshops, address gender disparities and promote economic independence.
Civic Participation & Advocacy
The JAA encourages civic engagement through voter registration drives and educational campaigns on political representation. Mobilizing its members to participate in local governance amplifies Bangladeshi-Americans’ collective voice.
Funeral & Bereavement Support
A cornerstone of the JAA’s welfare efforts is to offer logistical and financial assistance during funerals, including arranging burial services, coordinating religious rites, and providing grief counseling. The association has cemetery space in Mount Prospect Cemetery (New Jersey), Laurel Grove Cemetery (New Jersey), and Washington Memorial Cemetery (New York).
Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
The JAA builds alliances with nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses to expand its reach. Fundraising drives collect cash and in-kind donations, enabling the association to scale projects like infrastructure development in Sylhet.
Election
Twenty-five executive team members oversee the organization; their positions are elected or selected every two years. If an election is held, it will be conducted by a secret ballot of the general members only. A three-member Election Commission, selected from general members, ensures that elections are conducted fairly and impartially. Only paid general members have the right to vote and seek election.
Membership & Governance
The JAA offers two membership tiers:

1. Life Members (over 500 members): Life members undergo a formal application process, agreeing to abide by the association’s rules and consenting to non-commercial use of their data for voter lists or communications.

2. General Members (12,000+ members): General membership is only available to those who pay the membership fee. A general member must attend at least 33% of the General Meetings held throughout the year.

Advisory Council: An 11-member advisory council, selected by general members every three years, advises the executive team when they seek help to resolve issues that may need to be solved.

Team
President: Badrul Khan
Vice President (Sylhet): Md Lukman Hossain Luku
Vice President (Sunamganj): Shamim Ahmed
Vice President (Habiganj): Md Shafi Uddin Talukdar
Vice President (Moulvibazar): Md Jabed Uddin
General Secretary: Rukon Hakim
Treasurer: Mohammad Alim
Organizing Secretary: Md Jillur Rahman Khan
Publicity & Office Secretary: Foysol Alam
Literature & Culture Secretary: Hossain Ahmad
Sports And Youth Secretary: Manna Muntasir
Law & Int. Affairs Secretary: Burhan Uddin
Social Welfare Secretary: Jahid Ahmed Khan
Women Welfare Secretary: Sara Uddin
Member (Sylhet): Md Abdul Aziz
Member (Sunamganj): Humayun Kabir Sohel
Member (Habiganj): Delwar Hossain Manik
Member (Moulvibazar): Md Fazal Khan