Khulna Division Expats Gather for First Annual Picnic in Florida

The first annual picnic organized by the Khulna Division Association of Florida was held in a festive atmosphere, bringing together thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates for a day of celebration, cultural activities and community bonding.

The event took place on October 11 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Expatriates from different districts of Bangladesh’s Khulna Division began arriving at the park in the morning to spend quality time with family members, relatives and friends away from their busy lives abroad. The gathering created a lively atmosphere filled with reunions, nostalgic conversations and friendly exchanges.

A major highlight of the picnic was a cultural program featuring music, dance and other performances, alongside traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. The performers entertained the audience throughout the event. Sohag Uddin coordinated the cultural program, while Munmun served as its host. Mohammad Zaman Babu was responsible for the sound system.

Various sports, games and recreational competitions were arranged for children and teenagers. The traditional Bengali pillow game for women also drew considerable enthusiasm and excitement. Prizes were presented to the winners at the end of the competitions.

Akhtaruzzaman Palash, convener of the event, expressed his gratitude for the community’s enthusiastic participation and support.

“This is our first annual picnic. Your enthusiastic participation, love and sincere cooperation have greatly encouraged us. The overwhelming response will inspire us to organize even better and more well-coordinated events in the future,” he said.

He also expressed hope that future picnics would be more engaging and memorable.

Mohammad Ariful Islam, member secretary of the event, said one of the main objectives of the gathering was to strengthen mutual understanding, harmony and brotherhood among people from the Khulna Division living abroad.

He thanked the guests, volunteers, performers and well-wishers whose contributions helped make the event a success.

The organizers said such gatherings also play an important role in introducing younger generations growing up abroad to Bangladesh’s culture, traditions and roots. They expressed hope that the picnic would become a regular community gathering for people from the Khulna Division living in Florida.

The daylong event concluded with cultural performances, games, food and lively conversations. Beyond providing an opportunity for recreation, the first annual picnic brought members of the expatriate community closer together and left participants with lasting memories of friendship, cultural connection and togetherness.