Article 31 of BALA

it is imperative that we stay united

Dear All,

Lack of cohesive force in our Bangladeshi Community will never serve the purpose of BALA that we all have been aspiring for so many years. In order to get involved more effectively with mainstream activities in the USA, it is imperative that we stay united. Mutual respect and a true sense of democracy are among the prime factors to produce an acceptable leadership for our community. BALA is in crisis. This is a reality. We have so many talented people in our community who can propose some workable options to resolve this issue very easily in the interest of our community. Crisis management is a challenging task that most of us are used to handle at both professional and personal areas.

Under the leadership of Dr. B.D. Khan , we all commissioners took this voluntary task of holding BALA election in the hope of involving as many members of our community as possible. Any individual having no sense of mutual respect with true democratic values should not be the part of decision making process. There are many ways to salvage BALA .

Hope, Dr. Khan would reconsider his decision and all prominent community leaders should come forward with a concrete solution that will help to emerge an acceptable and strong leadership for BALA.

Thanks.



Toufique

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE "CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER”

Dear Mr. Khan ,

You deserve big thanks for your press release. It was well explained and should clear the mind of the Bangladeshi community those who were confused about the extension of the dead line.
In that press release you mentioned your self the “just-resigned Chief Election Commissioner”. I was very surprise to see that.
This is shocking. I believe that you have the right to take your own decision but don’t you think that this decision involves more than just you & involves a big community?
The hope & aspiration of so many Bangladeshi – Americans who waited for 12 long years to see BALA functioning was shuttered by seeing only on word on the press realize.
Under such crucial time, Bangladeshi community needs a person with your skill & knowledge. The community needs strong leader like you.
As a Bangladeshi who feels for the community. I’m requesting you please don’t leave the leadership halfway. With your guidance knowledge it will only be possible to revive BALA.
This is our prestige. At least for once we should prove that we can be united.
The people, who do not want BALA to function, we cannot let them provoke us. They may have their own agenda in mind but we cannot let them win. BALA is above any one’s personal agenda, it is for a community.
We should identify those elements & their negative roles in the society. We must unmask those who want to destroy such a good initiative.
Please don’t abundant BALA. Majority of the people of our community believe that you are doing a good job. You are our only hope through which we can present our new generation a committee for BALA.
Hope you will understand our feelings & reconsider our request.
If I know you well, to you responsibility comes first and you have the responsibility vested upon you through the court.
Since there is no one to accept your resignation it seems that it is already null and void.
Please stop addressing your self as the just-resigned Chief Election Commissioner and continue your good effort.
My support and appreciation will always be there for you, and I’m sure that the rest of the community will do the same.

With best regards
Syed Ferdaus “Munna”

Press Release from BALA Chief Election Commissioner

Press Release from BALA Chief Election Commissioner
October 3, 2008
Over the past few days, there has been a controversy surrounding nominations for BALA Elections 2008. As the just-resigned Chief Election Commissioner, I am issuing the following statement to help clear this controversy.
As announced earlier, the deadline for submitting nominations for the 17 positions of the Executive Committee was set for September 25, 2008. Candidates were requested to mail nominations by midnight of September 25. At a Town Hall Meeting in the valley on Sunday, September 21, a few Election Commissioners and Advisors suggested another means of collecting nominations to make it convenient for candidates. It was agreed that nominations would be accepted in-person (in addition to mailing) at Shatto Recreation Center (which was later moved to Taurat Restaurant at 101 S. Vermont) between the hours of 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. A few Election Commissioners would be present at Taurat to accept nominations.
During the last two weeks, requests were made to extend the nomination deadline. The reason for these requests was the holy month of Ramadan when people were fasting and attending special prayers which, according to those who requested extension, made it difficult to prepare the paperwork for nominations. I did not see any genuine reasons for an extension and stated so publicly. When more requests came to consider an extension, I asked all Election Commissioners on September 25 of their opinions. Six Election Commissioners (Mr. Jashim Ahmed, Mr. Saad Chowdhury, Dr. Toufique Choudhury, Mr. Rezaur Rahman “Mitu”, Mr. Ferdous “Munna”, and Mr. Mustafizur Rahman “Tufan”) agreed to extend the deadline. Two Election Commissioners (Mr. Syed Abed “Nipu” and Mohammad Alam “Khokon”) did not agree to an extension. One Commissioner (Mr. Safar Mansoor “Tarek”) could not be contacted. I remained neutral on the day of September 25, though I opposed an extension in the past. When I knew that a majority of Election Commissioners (six out of nine) were in favor of an extension, I agreed to extend the nomination deadline and communicated that to all Election Commissioners around 9:40 PM, ahead of the mid-night deadline.
According to the Constitution of Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (Clause 30, page 9), the Election Commission is assigned the responsibility of setting rules for election, including various dates. Clause 30 specifically states “The Election Commission will set various rules for the election including the various dates for the entire process.” This Clause is not subject to different interpretations by different individuals. It has only one interpretation: the Election Commission is the sole authority to set the dates for the election process. Until and unless the Constitution is officially changed, the authority of the Election Commission remains unquestionable.
At a meeting of Election Commissioners on Sunday, September 28, attended by nine Election Commissioners (including a newly appointed replacement Election Commissioner, Mr. Masud Chowdhury), we came to know that a few irregularities occurred during in-person submission of nominations. Nominations were not submitted in sealed envelopes and some information on submitted nominations was disclosed to those present at the site. These are serious violations of any nomination procedure and could be used as grounds for invalidating those nominations. I received only one nomination by mail. It was post-marked September 24. I did not open that envelope. Nomination procedure requires that all nominations be opened in presence of all or a quorum of Election Commissioners.
The Election Commission has always held the view that BALA election should be “inclusive” rather than “exclusive”. We wanted more participation rather than less participation. To that end, we relaxed the voter registration requirements and simplified the process of registration. Though we initially wanted all registration by mail, we agreed to hold a mass voter registration day on October 19 at Shatto Recreation Center where people could come in person for registration during the hours of 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM. We reduced the number of required documents for voter registration. These steps were taken to make it easy for all Bangladeshis and Bangladeshi-Americans to participate in the coming election. The nomination deadline was extended in the same spirit so that more people could contest for the various positions.
The extension of the nomination deadline was done legally and according to the BALA Constitution. I hope that our community will understand the rationale behind the extension and will evaluate the actions of the Election Commission as objectively as possible.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ELECTIONS 2008-10 AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

BANGLADESH ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES (BALA)


ANNOUNCEMENT OF ELECTIONS 2008-10
AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA) will hold its Elections 2008-10 and a community celebration on October 26, 2008. In order to be able to vote, Bangladeshi-Americans, US permanent residents (Green Card holders) and others of Bangladesh descent living in any of the seven counties of California (Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and Ventura) and 18 years or older must become members of BALA.

DAY OF MASS VOTER REGISTRATION: OCTOBER 19, 2008 FROM 12 NOON UNTIL 6:00 PM AT SHATTO RECREATION CENTER (4th AND SHATTO PLACE EAST OF VERMONT)

VOTING DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2008

VOTING LOCATION: SHATTO RECREATION CENTER

HOURS OF VOTING: 10:00 AM TO 6:00 PM

NEEDED DOCUMENT FOR VOTING: CA DRIVER’S LICENSE OR CA STATE ID

ADDED ATTRACTIONS: MUSIC, FOOD, MOVIES, AND MANY MORE

Voter Registration (BALA membership) and Nomination forms are available from the election website: www.balaelection.info.




http://balaelection.blogspot.com

"BALA" NOTICE OF REVIVOR

To View large size double click on the subject

Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:54 AM GMT+06:00 Letters Bangladeshis in Los Angeles Ishtiaq A Chisti, Long Beach,US The Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA) is undergoing a major awakening following a decade-long stalemate in its activities. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Mohammed B. D. Khan, the Chief Election Commissioner and his team of Commissioners, BALA will hold its next election on October 26, 2008. The Bangladeshis' participation in one of the oldest Bangladeshi organisations in North America is essential for reviving the collective power of our community to solve its problems and reach out to the larger American community that we all live in. The economic and cultural vitality of Bangladeshis can only be harnessed when we are united in all our diversity.

Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles BALA

Press Release on BALA elections 2008-10

On June 15, 2008, the Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA) Elections Commission met in Los Angeles. Eight Election Commissioners were present: Jashim Ahmed, Mohammad S. Alam, Saad Chowdhury, Toufique Choudhury, M. B. Khan (AKA B. D. Khan), Syed Ferdaus “Munna”, Syed Abed Nipu, and Rezaur R. Osmani. In addition, the following three advisors were present: Dilir Delwar, Nazmul Ula, and Mahmud Zami.

The Commission made several decisions per agreement of the majority of the Election Commissioners present.

The date of election would be Sunday, October 26, 2008. Out of respect for the holy month of Ramadan, the Commission decided not to hold the election in September. The election site would be the Shatto Recreation Center (4^th and Vermont) and the voting hours would be from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To be able to vote, all eligible voters must register by October 19, 2008 by mailing out the Voter Registration Form, a BALA membership fee of $2.00 per person, proof of residency in one of the following seven counties of California: Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura (utility bill or any other document), and proof of Bangladesh origin (Bangladesh or U.S. passport) to: BALA, Care Of: M. B. Khan, P. O. Box 2510, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

Nominations of candidates for the 17 positions will be accepted through September 25, 2008. Nominations must be submitted on the approved Nomination Form along with the appropriate Elections Fee (Cashier’s Check or Money Order) to the following address: BALA, Care Of: M. B. Khan, P. O. Box 2510, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

Voter Registration Forms and Nomination Forms will be available at Bangladeshi stores in and around Los Angeles for mass distribution. The Forms will also be available through the Elections Commission Website and from local Bangladeshi newspapers. A Website is being created to keep all informed about the election.

A public meeting will be called to announce the elections date and answer questions from the public. The venue and date of the meeting will be announced soon.

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Press Release on BALA Elections 2008-10

TOWN HALL MEETING on AUGUST 24th @ Shatto

The following Press Release has been issued by the Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA) Election Commission:

As announced earlier, the next Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA) elections will be held on October 26, 2008 after a long 12-year wait. The Election Commission, working with a few dedicated community volunteers, has made substantial progress towards holding the elections. It is essential that input from all sectors of the Bangladeshi community is obtained to make the election a success. Therefore, a Town Hall Meeting has been called by the Commission for Sunday, August 24, 2008, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Shatto Recreation Center (4th and east of Vermont). Election Commissioners and Advisors will be present to discuss the details of the BALA 2008-10 Elections. All Bangladeshi-Americans and others of Bangladesh descent residing in the Greater Los Angeles area are invited to attend this important meeting to express their voices and comments about the elections and seek answers to their questions.

The Bangladeshi community is encouraged to visit the election Website, www.balaelection.info, before attending the Town Hall meeting.

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Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA)

Elections 2008-10

Voter Registration Form

To be eligible to register, you must be at least 16 years old (as of the Elections Day) of Bangladesh origin and live in any one of the following seven California counties: Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura.

Name: ________________________________

Home Address: __________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ______________ E-Mail Address (if available) ________________

One of the following set of documents is needed to prove voter eligibility:

1. Bangladesh/US Passport (main page) and California Driver’s License

2. Bangladesh/US Passport (main page) and California State ID Card

3. Bangladesh/US Passport (main page) and any proof of residency in one of the seven California counties (utility bill or any other document)

(Please attach copies of the above applicable documents)

I do hereby certify that the above information is true. Failure to provide correct information will result in cancellation of my registration and my subsequent non-participation in BALA Elections 2008-10.

__________________________________ ______________

(Signature) (Date)

Please mail this Form, copies of voter eligibility documents and a check/cashier’s check/money order for BALA membership fee, by October 19, 2008, to: BALA, Care Of: M. B. Khan, P. O. Box 2510, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. BALA membership fee is $ 2.00 per person. Please make your check/Cashier’s Check/Money Order payable to “BALA”. Please use one Form for one voter.

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BALA ELECTION COMMITTEE REQUESTING ALL BANGLADESHI AND DESENDENT LIVING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO REGISTER FOR UPCOMING ELECTION ON October 26-2008. LAST DATE OF REGISTRATION October 19, 2008.

REQUERMENT FOR REGISTRATION

1. ANY KIND OF ID APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT (DRIVERS LICENCE, PHOTO ID or PASSPORT AND A COPY OF RESENT UTILITY BILL.)

2. A PROCESSING FEE OF $2

MAIL YOUR REGISTRATION FORMS ALONG WITH A COPY OF (DRIVERS LICENCE, PHOTO ID or PASSPORT AND A COPY OF RESENT UTILITY BILL.)

CHECK, MONEY ORDER OR CASHIER’S CHECK PAYABLE TO BALAEC AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:

BALA ELECTION COMMISSION

P.O.Box 2510

Huntington Beach, Ca 92647

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Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles (BALA)

Elections 2008-10

Nomination Form

I, _________________________, do hereby nominate __________________________

(Nominator’s name) (Nominee’s name)

for the position of ________________________________ of Bangladesh Association of

(Indicate position)

Los Angeles (BALA).

_________________ _______ __________________ ________

(Nominator’s signature) (Date) (Nominee’s Signature) (Date)

Special Note: In order for your nomination to be accepted, please include a Cashier’s Check or Money Order, payable to BALA, for Election Fee in accordance with the following table (depending on the nominated position). Your nomination will not be accepted without the Cashier’s Check or Money Order.

Election Fee Table

	Position Nominated	Election Fee
1	President	$750.00
2	Senior Vice-President	$500.00
3	Vice President - First	$500.00
4	Vice President - Second	$500.00
5	General Secretary	$500.00
6	Assistant General Secretary	$300.00
7	Treasurer	$300.00
8	Assistant Treasurer	$300.00
90	Organizing Secretary	$300.00
10	Cultural Secretary	$300.00
11	Social Secretary	$300.00
12	Education Secretary	$300.00
13	Press Secretary	$300.00
14	Humanitarian Affairs Secretary	$300.00
15	Membership Secretary	$300.00
16	Sports Secretary	$300.00
17	Immigration Secretary	$300.00

Please mail the Nomination Form, along with a Cashier’s Check or Money Order, to the following address on or before September 25, 2008 (the last date to withdraw nomination for a refund of the Election Fee is October 12, 2008):

BALA Care of: M. B. Khan

P. O. Box 2510, Huntington Beach, CA 92647