JALALABAD ASSOCIATION OF TORONTO

About Jalalabad Association Toronto

Jalalabad Association of Toronto is a community-based, non-political, and non-profit organization representing immigrants from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh who are living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The association aims to support and promote the cultural, social, and economic welfare of the Sylheti community in Canada, while fostering unity and providing resources for its members.

Key aspects of the Jalalabad Association of Toronto include:

1. Cultural Promotion: The association organizes events and activities that celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of Sylhet, including language, traditions, and customs, among both the Bangladeshi and broader Canadian communities.

2. Social Support: The association provides assistance to new immigrants from Bangladesh in integrating into Canadian society. This may include help with social services, job placement, and community support for both individuals and families.

3. Annual Festival: The organization hosts the Jalalabad Mela (Festival) at Dentonia Park, Toronto, which celebrates Sylheti culture and heritage. It is attended by thousands of people, including both local and international participants, and features cultural performances, food stalls, and other activities.

4. Community Engagement: The association works to address the concerns of its members and represents their interests before federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as other non-governmental organizations.

5. Unity and Brotherhood: It fosters a sense of brotherhood and unity among the Sylheti community members, offering platforms to discuss community issues, celebrate milestones, and provide mutual support.

Jalalabad Association of Toronto plays a significant role in preserving the identity of the Sylheti people in Canada while helping them adapt and succeed in their new country.

Community Support Services

Promoting cultural, social, and economic welfare for the Sylheti community in Canada.

Cultural Events Planning

Organizing events to celebrate and promote Sylheti culture and heritage in Toronto.

Resource Assistance

Providing resources and support for immigrants from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.

Social Unity Programs

Fostering unity among Sylheti community members through various social initiatives and gatherings.

Speech From President and Secretary

Sylhet region, with its lush landscapes shaped by the rivers Surma, Kushiyara, Manu, and Khowai, includes the four districts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj. This northeastern part of Bangladesh is not only rich in natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in the nation’s economic and developmental progress. The contributions of the Sylhet division, especially from its diaspora, have been indispensable to the country's growth. However, despite its significant contributions, the region continues to face challenges in terms of infrastructure and institutional development.

The vast remittances sent by millions of expatriates from Sylhet act as a lifeline for the country's industrial and commercial expansion, fueling the economy just as the rivers fuel the land. The Jalalabad Association of Toronto serves as a center of unity and collaboration for the thousands of Sylhetis residing in the Greater Toronto Area. As a social and cultural organization, we are committed to advancing not only the interests of the Sylheti community but also the overall development of the Sylhet division in Bangladesh.

Our primary goal is to contribute to the progress of the Sylhet region while remaining aligned with Canada’s multicultural values and opportunities for growth. We strive to maintain and nurture a strong sense of solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation among Sylhetis living abroad, while also supporting the broader goals of economic growth and social welfare in both our homeland and our new homes here in Canada.

It is my hope that, with the continued dedication and unity of our members, we can make a lasting impact and contribute meaningfully to the development of both the Sylhet region and the community here in Toronto.

Thank you all for your support, and let’s continue to work together toward a brighter future.

Humble Regards,
Mahbub Chowdhury Ronny
President
Jalalabad Association of Toronto

It is an honor to stand before you as the General Secretary of the Jalalabad Association of Toronto. Our organization was founded with the mission to support and uplift the Sylheti community here in Canada, while staying deeply connected to our roots in Bangladesh.

Jalalabad Association is more than just a cultural group; it is a platform for uniting our people, preserving our traditions, and building a future of opportunity and prosperity for all members of our community. Our primary goals are:

1. Community Support: We aim to provide a network of support to newly arrived immigrants, helping them integrate into Canadian society while keeping our cultural identity strong.

2. Cultural Preservation: We are committed to promoting and preserving the rich Sylheti culture through events, festivals, and educational activities for future generations.

3. Charitable Contributions: Through various initiatives, we work to assist both our local community here in Toronto and our brothers and sisters back in Sylhet, contributing to social welfare and development projects.

4. Youth Empowerment: We recognize the importance of empowering our youth. By offering platforms for leadership, education, and cultural involvement, we ensure that the next generation stays connected to their heritage while thriving in this new land.

Together, with your continued support, we will keep striving toward these goals and strengthen the bond within our Sylheti family, both here in Canada and abroad.

Thank you.

Warm Regards,
Mehedi Sharif Maruf
General Secretary
Jalalabad Association of Toronto