Our History
Two decades of Bangladeshi-American physicians in California
The Bangladesh Medical Association of North America (BMANA) was founded in 1984 as a nonprofit organization for physicians and medical professionals of Bangladeshi origin in the United States and Canada. In its early years most members lived in the Northeast.
As Bangladeshi physicians moved west, the California chapter was established in 2004 under the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, our first President, and Dr. Chowdhury Hafiz Ahsan, our first General Secretary. Under their leadership BMANA CA took part in the Central BMANA Convention in 2005. Dr. Ahsan later moved to Nevada and organized the BMANA Nevada chapter, and he remains an integral part of the California chapter.
With only a small number of Bangladeshi physicians in California at the time, the chapter was inactive for several years. As the community grew, the chapter was reactivated in 2009 under the leadership of Dr. Nasima Begum. The 2009 leadership team included President Dr. Nasima Begum, General Secretary Dr. Talat Khan, Treasurer Dr. Rubina Najeeb, Scientific Secretaries Dr. Alamgir Mahmud and Dr. Iqbal Munir, Cultural Secretaries Dr. Salma Khan and Dr. Nargis Akhanjee, Young Physician Secretary Dr. Diba Farah, and the Drs. Hossain as Patrons.
Thanks to the effort and involvement of its members, the chapter has grown steadily, earned local and national recognition, and continues to serve as a dynamic platform for Bangladeshi-American physicians across California.
Milestones
1984 — BMANA is founded
The Bangladesh Medical Association of North America is established for physicians of Bangladeshi origin in the United States and Canada.
2004 — The California chapter is born
BMANA CA is established under founding President Dr. Mohammad Moazzem Hossain and General Secretary Dr. Chowdhury Hafiz Ahsan.
2005 — First national convention
The new chapter takes part in the Central BMANA Convention. Dr. Ahsan later moves to Nevada and organizes the BMANA Nevada chapter.
2009 — Reactivated and growing
After a quiet period, a growing community of Bangladeshi physicians reactivates the chapter under President Dr. Nasima Begum and a new leadership team.
Today — A statewide platform
Annual conventions, CME sessions, medical missions to Bangladesh, disaster relief and mentoring for young physicians, with recognition at the local and national level.