A friend’s hand abroad: ‘Bisaak’ beside Bangladeshi students in California

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Like the vast sky of California, the dreams of the people who come here are also vast. Hundreds of students from Bangladesh migrate to this state of the United States every year because of that dream. Some come for the addiction of higher education, some to take research opportunities, and some hope for a bright future. But after stepping into this land of dreams, the reality is sometimes hard to catch. Especially for those who have no acquaintances here.

After landing at Los Angeles or San Francisco International Airport after a long flight, many students feel an unknown anxiety. Where to go, to whom to ask for help, where to get lost—everything is like a maze. At the beginning of a new life in a new country, what a student needs most is a helping hand, a familiar voice and a safe haven.

The ‘Bangladeshi International Students Association of California’, abbreviated as ‘BISAK’, has become a symbol of the dependence of students in this unknown foreign life. It is not just an organization; Rather, it is a strong network of trust and support for students. For many, a shelter in a foreign land like a family is called Visak. Their motto is the same – ‘Students for Students’.

California is recognized around the world as a center of education, research and modern technology. From Silicon Valley to world-renowned universities—everything is in this state. As a result, the number of Bangladeshi students is increasing every year. Currently, about two thousand Bangladeshi students are studying in different universities in California. About 1,000 students live in the Los Angeles area alone. Behind every student in this huge community is a story of struggle and success.

One of the first challenges a student faces upon setting foot in California is loneliness and uncertainty. The fatigue of the long journey and the stress of the unfamiliar environment make many people mentally upset. Transportation, purchase of SIM card or accommodation – everything has to be struggled in the first days.

It is during this crisis that ‘Bisaak’ comes forward as a savior. When someone feels lonely thousands of miles away from their relatives in their own country, BISAK members come along and offer hope. This organization inculcates the belief in the minds of the newcomers that ‘You are not alone, we are by your side’. Bisak is a unique name for Bangladeshi students in California today because of this sense of brotherhood.

Bangladeshi International Students Association of California or BISAK started its journey to California in January 2024. The main goal of this non-political and non-profit organization formed entirely by students is to unite the Bangladeshi students spread across the state in one thread. Currently, students from 38 California universities are affiliated with this organization. The strong executive committee of 51 members of the organization is divided into 15 different departments and is working on the various needs of the students. BISAC is running its activities with the slogan ‘Ekta is our bright future path’.

Russel Mahmood, president of BISAC, said, “The biggest challenge for a student in a new country is loneliness, lack of information and uncertainty at the start.” BISAK wants to become a trusted name in a place where students can feel safe and secure from the first day they step foot.’ According to him, the real strength of the organization is not in its structure; Rather, with a sense of responsibility and sincerity towards people.

One of the first challenges a student faces upon setting foot in California is transportation and secure housing. After landing at Los Angeles or San Francisco International Airport, many people feel disorientated in an unfamiliar environment. Keeping this reality in mind, Visak has launched ‘Free Airport Pickup Service’. Since 2024, the volunteers of the organization have taken 78 new students from the airport and delivered them to a safe destination entirely on their own initiative.

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Visak has also become a shield in the housing crisis. So far they have helped 96 students from 24 universities find affordable and safe housing. The leader of the organization, Lincoln Ahmed, said that newcomers often face problems due to not knowing the rules of safe areas and contracts. Visak dispels that worry by guiding them in the right direction.

One such beneficiary is UCLA student Rabeya Chowdhury Elina. In Prothom Alo, he said, ‘I moved to California just four days after getting the visa. I found Bisak on Facebook. From then on, I didn’t have to think about where to go or where to stay. Bisak is a blessed name for me.

CPT and OPT are an integral part of education. Many times students face legal or professional problems if they do not have a proper understanding of this. BISAK leader Ataur Rahman said that they are trying to make students aware and efficient through regular seminars and workshops. Apart from this, BISAK is also working on the ‘skill development’ or skill development necessary to survive in the competitive environment of California, said Shakib Abdullah, another leader of the organization.

Visak has a special focus on not only studies or career but also mental health of students. Risalat Hossain Antar said, ‘To remove the loneliness of mechanical life abroad, we are creating a community where everyone will feel like themselves. At the same time, the organization is showing the identity of the roots to the new generation by retaining the desi culture and festivals in the diaspora.

BISAK provides special support to female students abroad considering their safety and emotional challenges. Rumana Akhtar Nipa, a member of the organization, said that they attach utmost importance to ensuring safe accommodation and information support for women students, so that they can conduct their education abroad with full confidence.

Visak’s activities are not limited to students; Rather, they are equally active in various humanitarian activities. In case of natural disasters, emergency situations or the unexpected death of a Bangladeshi in the diaspora, the members of BISAK stand by like a true friend. Maudud Ahmed, a member of the organization, said, “We try to respond quickly to any crisis. Because people are the biggest hope of people in expatriate life.

Over time, Visak has now become a trusted destination for Bangladeshi students in California. No one feels alone in the presence of this organization on foreign soil. When someone new comes here, someone runs to greet them at the airport, someone finds a place to hang out, someone gives correct information or provides mental courage. At the core of this entire campaign is an unwavering belief—students will be the greatest force in the needs of students. And with this sense of brotherhood, Visak is moving forward as a little bit of Bangladesh in the heart of California.