DHAKA: The growing immigrant Bangladeshi population of Houston has been trying for years to build a permanent community center but has been stalled by a lack of funds.

Now, the Bangladesh Association, Houston, is hoping to raise about $1 million in what board members hope will be a major step toward reaching their fundraising goal.The nonprofit is holding a multicultural gala on Friday at Crowne Plaza Galleria to attract support.

The Bangladesh Association Center is a $2.5 million project being built on four acres purchased in 2001 at 13145 Renn Road in southwest Harris County.

The completed center would have an auditorium, a lobby, a sports complex, classrooms, an office and a contemplation room to serve more than 15,000 Bangladeshis in the Houston area, as well as the broader community.

Association`s chairman Shah Haleem said, "We`re hoping to reach more corporate donors.”

He also said: "We hope that one of the foundations will come forward and say, `You know what, we`re going to help your organization because you try to help not only your community, but you try to help the local community at large.` "

The association, established in 1978 by recent graduates of the Bangladesh Student Association at the University of Houston, is maintained by more than 100 volunteers and runs on donations, "charity and the love of people," added Haleem.

Once completed, the center will be open to anyone as the association takes pride in being multicultural and secular.

Besides free medical and employment assistance, the association serves as a liaison between the community and local, state and federal agencies.

The organization also offers classes on Sundays that include sports, music and an interfaith class that focuses on values, ethics and teaches about different religions.

Source: chron.com
BDST: 1554 HRS, NOV 15, 2013
SR/JCK