by Kayla Sheldon on 2014-10-22
Moreno Valley Parks and Recreation Commissioner Saifur Osmani started a non-profit organization called Bangladeshi American California Society (BACS) in 2012 that has had multiple community-oriented events and achievements since. The goal of their organization is to build a bridge for a multicultural community, for other cultures to learn about the Bangladesh culture, and for them to learn about other cultures and to share their views and perspectives.
“We want to be involved with our community,” Osmani shared. “BACS strives to promote and sustain cultural, charitable, educational and literary activities on behalf of the Bangladeshi community of Moreno Valley.”
The organization has participated in many community events like the Moreno Valley’s 4th of July Independence Day Celebration Parade. They are the back-to-back winners of 2012 and 2013 and were presented with trophies from the City of Moreno Valley for being the “Outstanding Marching Drill/Unit” of both years.
After winning their trophy from the Independence Day Celebration Parade in 2012, BACS held a Victory Celebration at Ranch Verde High School Auditorium on Nov. 3 of 2012. It was a major event for the Bangaldeshi community primarily because Bangladeshi famous singer Zeenat Rehana was the star of the cultural event.
They also participated in the “MoVal Youth Fest” this year that was held at Cottonwood Recreation Park and two of their dancers received participation certificates from the event.
Aside from their involvement throughout the community events, they have projects they are currently working on, on their own.
They are working to implement a school or training center for the Bangladeshi community, which will primarily focus in the children’s education and to learn their own language.
“I’m also hoping to put together field trips for the kids so they can experience the different cultures,” Osmani shared after he explained that he wants the community to be multicultural.
These field trips are primarily to expose children to the lifestyles of different cultures throughout the world. “I want to bring American kids to Bangladesh and bring Bangladesh kids here so they can all see and experience the different cultures,” he added. “Hopefully, by doing this, when they get back to their home they can share their experiences with others, as well.”
Aside from the field trips, they hope to start a television program that would be broadcasted in Bangladesh, “that way they can see the lifestyle here in Moreno Valley.”
“The mission of the BACS is to develop the total person-spirit, mind and body through character development programs that build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.”