This organization will be known as “Companiganj Welfare Association, Inc [USA].” It will be written in Bangla as “কোম্পানীগঞ্জ ওয়েলফেয়ার এসোসিয়েশন, ইনক [ইউ.ইস.এ]”.
The following words mentioned in this constitution shall be understood to mean:
a) Association (Shomiti): Companigonj Welfare Association, Inc [USA]
b) Area (Elaka): Companigonj Upazila
c) Committee (Kommitee): Executive Committee
d) Council (Porishod): Advisory Council
e) Commission (Komishon): Election Commission
f) Board (Board): Trustee Board
g) Resident (Odhibashi): Citizen of Companigonj Upazila
h) Member (Shodoshsho): Male or Female Member
September 21, 1991 AD, New York, USA.
The current building owned by the Association will be used as the main office and the address will be:
Companigonj Bhaban 61 Church Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11218
This association shall be considered a non-political, non-profit, and voluntary organization falling under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(4).
The purpose of this association is to serve humanity by following the path of almighty creator and by organizing the residents of Companiganj Upazila living in the United States, to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and harmony amongst each other, to support the members of the association by providing education, health and financial assistance of the aforementioned area (Comapniganj Upazila).
The following programs are adopted in line with the objectives of the association:
1. To include all residents of the area and their heirs currently living in the United States and those arriving in the future as members of this association.
2. Financial assistance program for the members of the association: a) If a member of the association, having regularly paid the membership fee, passes away in America, the member will be provided with $7,000 (Seven Thousand) dollars in posthumous assistance. In this case, the cost of sending the body to Bangladesh or the funeral expenses in America will be covered, and the remaining amount (if any) will be given to the family or nominated person. b) If a member of the association, having regularly paid the membership fee, passes away outside the United States (e.g., in Bangladesh), their family or nominated person will be provided with $4,000 (Four Thousand) dollars in assistance. c) If a member has a minimum of 2 years of membership and has regularly paid the membership fee, and then withdraws their membership to permanently leave America, they will be given $1,000 (One Thousand) dollars in assistance. d) If a minor child (under 18 years) of a regular member passes away, free grave space will be provided in the association's cemetery for the burial of the child's body. e) If any member other than a Life Member is eligible for financial assistance, the amount of assistance will be provided after deducting the equivalent amount of the unpaid Life Membership fee (up to $1500).
3. Activities such as education support, poverty alleviation, healthcare, disaster relief, and various other philanthropic activities will be conducted for the welfare of the Companigonj area.
4. To create a bridge between the present and future generations, sports events will be organized and various competitions participated in; Annual picnics and Iftar parties will be organized; Various national days will be observed, exchange of views meetings, and various social, cultural, and recreational activities will be undertaken.
5. Educational stipends (at least $1000) will be given every year. The Committee may change the amount of the stipend based on the association's funds and will formulate rules for granting the stipends.
All residents of Companigonj Upazila and their heirs residing in the United States, and the entire Companigonj Upazila, are covered under the activities of this association.
1. Residents of Companigonj Upazila living in the United States who are (a) 18 years or older, or (b) their family (spouse), or (c) the children (i.e., by paternal lineage) of male residents who are 18 years or older, can become members of the association by fully supporting this constitution.
2. The membership of existing members from outside Companigonj Upazila will remain valid.
3. If a member takes financial assistance from the association when leaving permanently for the home country and later returns to America, they can regain membership by refunding the financial assistance taken from the association.
4. To become a member of the association, the specific membership application form must be filled out and submitted along with a $20 admission fee and necessary proof (copy of passport or citizenship certificate or others) in support of point 1 above.
5. A Member Admission Committee consisting of one Vice-President as head, the Organizing Secretary, and the Treasurer will verify the application and if recommended, the applicant will be considered a member upon approval of the President and General Secretary.
6. A resident of Companigonj who has been living in America for a long time (more than five years) must pay a minimum of five years of arrears membership fees to become a member of the Association.
7. If a resident of Companigonj Upazila is not a member of “Companigonj Welfare Association U.S.A. Inc,” their parents and in-laws cannot become members of the Association.
1. Members are the source of the association's activities, and the association will be run with their participation.
2. Members shall be sincere in implementing the objectives and programs of the association and shall perform the duties assigned by the Committee or the general meeting.
3. Members shall regularly pay the membership fee and can participate in the association's various events and activities.
4. A member who pays the membership fee up to December of each year will be considered a regular member or voter. They will have the right to vote in the formation of the Committee and in the general meetings, and can be included in any position or sub-committee mentioned in the constitution.
5. However, if there is proof of activities contrary to the association's constitution, misappropriation or loss of the association's funds, or damage to the association's property or documents, they cannot be nominated or be a candidate for any position mentioned in the constitution.
6. Upon regular payment of fees, a member shall be eligible to receive all types of assistance under the association's programs. However, if the membership fee is overdue for 1 year, they cannot claim any assistance from the association.
1. The association's membership fee shall be $100 annually, and fees will be collected on a yearly basis.
2. A member who pays $1500 or 15 (Fifteen) years of membership fees will be considered a Life Member. They will no longer need to pay the membership fee. A "Life Membership Certificate" will be presented to that member.
3. Fees will be collected on the association's fixed receipts. All members of the Committee, and any member approved by the President and General Secretary, may collect fees.
4. For individuals aged 60 and above, to become a member, they must pay a $500 application fee plus an additional 1 year's fee, totaling $600. They can become a Life Member by paying a total of $2000.
1. If there is proof of a member's activities being contrary to the association's constitution, or causing loss or misappropriation of funds, or damage to the association's property or documents, the Committee has the power to cancel their membership. In such a case, the member must be given a show-cause notice and an opportunity to defend themselves.
2. If a member takes financial assistance when permanently leaving America or withdraws their membership, their membership will be cancelled.
3. If a member fails to pay the fee for 3 years, their membership will be cancelled. However, if the fee is overdue for 1 year, they cannot claim any assistance from the association.
4. Upon cancellation of membership, a member will not receive any assistance under the association's programs. However, they may apply for new membership later. Note that previously paid admission fees and membership fees will not be considered in this case.
To implement the association's ideology, objectives, and programs, and to manage the activities smoothly and efficiently, there will be 3 divisions: a) Executive Committee: The main driving force of the association, responsible for policy formulation and decision implementation. Details about the Committee are described in Chapter 4. b) Advisory Council: An Advisory Council will exist as per Chapter 7 to advise and cooperate in the management of the Committee's activities. c) Trustee Board: A Trustee Board will exist to maintain dynamism, continuity, and discipline in the association's activities, whi
1. The Committee is the main driving force and policy maker of the association. The Committee will fulfill the ideals and objectives of the association, implement programs, and execute the decisions of the general meeting.
2. It will make decisions and formulate and implement necessary rules and regulations for protecting the association's property, increasing membership, collecting fees and donations; raising, preserving funds, collecting irregular funds, and operating the association's activities.
3. It will form the Advisory Council, Trustee Board, Election Commission, Audit Committee, various necessary committees and sub-committees, appoint an accountant, and prepare the list of voters or regular members.
4. It will approve the income and expenditure account or budget for the association's various activities.
5. All decisions, rules, and activities of the Committee must conform to this constitution. However, any decision, rule, or activity can be reviewed and, if necessary, amended or changed by the General Meeting of the association.
The Companigonj Welfare Association will be managed by a 15 (Fifteen) member Executive Committee.
1. President 1 person
2. Vice-President (1st & 2nd) 2 people (1st and 2nd will be determined by the votes received in the election)
3. General Secretary 1 person
4. Assistant General Secretary 1 person
5. Treasurer 1 person
6. Assistant Treasurer 1 person
7. Organizing Secretary 1 person
8. Publicity and Publication Secretary 1 person
9. Office Secretary 1 person
10. Education, Sports, and Culture Secretary 1 person
11. Social Welfare Secretary 1 person
12. Executive Member 3 people
1. He shall be considered the chief of the association and shall arrange for the implementation of the association's objectives, programs, and meeting decisions.
2. He shall preside over all meetings of the association and shall duly certify and sign the minutes and decisions of the meetings.
3. He shall be one of the directors of the association's bank account.
4. He has the power to supervise the activities of various secretaries.
5. He will take necessary steps to collect membership fees from members.
6. He will coordinate the Advisory Council and the Trustee Board, call meetings, and provide information as needed.
7. He must inform the Committee if he intends to travel outside America.
b) Vice-President:
1. He shall assist the President and, in the absence of the President (e.g., if not present at the meeting or outside the United States), he shall assume the responsibilities of the President and shall be considered the Acting President.
2. In the absence of the President, the 1st Vice-President, and in the absence of both the President and the 1st Vice-President, the 2nd Vice-President shall take charge.
c) General Secretary:
1. He shall be considered the chief executive of the association and shall maintain all official communications of the association.
2. He shall arrange for the implementation of the association's objectives, programs, and meeting decisions.
3. In consultation with the President, he shall call meetings, conduct meetings, and record the minutes and decisions of the meetings.
4. He shall be one of the directors of the association's bank account.
5. He shall present the annual report of the Committee's activities at the Annual General Meeting.
6. He shall coordinate the work of various secretaries.
7. He shall preserve the association's documents.
8. He must inform the Committee if he intends to travel outside America and hand over the responsibilities to the Assistant General Secretary.
d) Assistant General Secretary: He shall assist the General Secretary and, in his absence (e.g., if not present at the meeting or outside the United States), he shall assume the responsibilities of the General Secretary and shall be considered the Acting General Secretary.
e) Treasurer:
1. He shall supervise all financial matters of the association and shall preserve all funds, accounts, and bank books of the association.
2. He shall be one of the directors of the association's bank account.
3. He shall present the income and expenditure account at the biennial and triennial general meetings and at any meeting requested by the President, and provide explanations as necessary.
4. He shall complete the audit and annual tax report according to the law and submit them to the appropriate places. The President and General Secretary shall assist him in this regard.
f) Assistant Treasurer: He shall assist the Treasurer and, in his absence (e.g., if not present at the meeting or outside the United States), he shall assume the responsibilities of the Treasurer.
g) Organizing Secretary:
1. He shall arrange for the inclusion of new members. For this purpose, he shall encourage and invite newly arrived residents to become members of the association.
2. He shall oversee the operation of the association and the maintenance of organizational discipline according to the constitution and rules and shall inform the Committee and Advisors as necessary.
h) Publicity and Publication Secretary:
1. He shall arrange for the publicity of the association's objectives, programs, and activities and shall be responsible for the association's various publications.
2. He shall present the budget for various publicity and publications and all related accounts to the Committee meeting.
i) Office Secretary: He shall supervise the office room and preserve all association documents kept in the office.
j) Education, Sports, and Culture Secretary:
1. He shall arrange for various educational support, sports, cultural, and recreational events for the residents of the area.
2. He shall take necessary steps for the regular provision of educational stipends.
k) Social Welfare Secretary: He shall arrange for various awareness and motivational programs for the residents of Companigonj Upazila and service-oriented activities for the people of the area.
l) Executive Member: Shall perform the duties of a Divisional Secretary or Assistant Secretary in their absence. In addition, shall perform any duty assigned by the Committee or requested by the President/General Secretary.
The Committee will be elected by direct and secret ballot of the regular (voter) members. The "Election Commission" as per Chapter 5 will be responsible for forming the new Committee.
1. The term of the Executive Committee shall be 3 years, which shall be considered a calendar year. The old Committee shall hand over responsibilities in December after the Committee election.
2. If for any reason the Committee is not formed or responsibilities are not handed over, the Committee shall be dissolved on December 31st of the 3rd year, i.e., at the end of the term. If the Committee is not elected, the Committee announced by the Trustee Board, and if elected, the Committee announced by the Election Commission, shall assume responsibility on that day.
3. If the Committee is elected under the responsibility of the Trustee Board (i.e., if Article 32(5)(c) is applied) when the election does not take place at the stipulated time, the next 3 years shall be considered from the day the previous Committee was dissolved.
4. The Chairman of the Trustee Board, or in his absence the Chief Election Commissioner, shall administer the oath (Appendix-B Oath of Office) to the new Committee.
1. Any regular member may bring a complaint or no-confidence motion against any member of the Committee regarding activities contrary to the constitution, financial loss, misappropriation, or damage to property. The detailed description of the complaint or no-confidence motion, along with necessary evidence, must be submitted in writing to the Committee through the President/General Secretary. However, a copy of the complaint or no-confidence motion against the President or General Secretary must be provided to the Trustee Board.
2. The Committee shall resolve the complaint within a maximum of 3 months by discussing it in the presence of the complainant, the accused member, and advisors if necessary, and by conducting an investigation if required.
3. If the complaint is proven, the member may be relieved from the Committee, and if it involves financial loss, the association may take necessary steps to recover the loss from the member. In this case, the Trustee Board must first be informed, and if necessary, the association may seek legal recourse.
4. If the Committee fails to take any action regarding the complaint or no-confidence motion, the complaint or no-confidence motion may be brought before the Trustee Board. The Committee shall take action according to the recommendation of the Trustee Board.
5. If the complaint is proven false or is brought with malicious intent, the Committee may take action against the complaining member.
1. If a complaint or no-confidence motion brought against any member of the Executive Committee is proven; if the member loses eligibility to be a candidate in the election, or if they permanently leave the United States, that member shall be relieved from the respective position.
2. If any member of the Committee neglects their own duties or fails to attend 3 consecutive Committee meetings, they may be relieved from the Committee. However, this shall not be considered if they are outside the United States. In this case, they must inform the President/General Secretary in writing.
3. Any member of the Committee has the power to resign from their position. For this, a written letter of resignation must be submitted to the President/General Secretary. A decision will be taken after discussion in the Committee meeting. If the President wishes to resign, the letter of resignation must be submitted to the Committee through the Vice-President.
4. If any position in the Committee becomes vacant, the Executive Committee will fill the position. The 1st Vice-President will fill the vacant position of the President, the 2nd Vice-President will fill the vacant position of the 1st Vice-President, a candidate from among those who contested for the position in the election will fill the vacant position of the 2nd Vice-President, the Assistant Secretary will fill the vacant position of the Secretary, an Executive Member will fill the vacant position of the Assistant Secretary, and the Committee will nominate a regular member to fill the vacant position of the Executive Member, and they shall be considered elected upon approval of the Trustee Board.
1. In the last/3rd June of the Executive Committee's term, a 5-member Election Commission, consisting of 1 Chief Election Commissioner and 4 Election Commissioners, shall be formed for the election of the next Committee.
2. The Election Commissioners shall be nominated from regular members who have demonstrated sincerity in the association's activities, are prudent, have organizational knowledge, are trusted, and acceptable to the members.
3. If any position in the Commission becomes vacant, the Committee will nominate a new member to that vacant position in consultation with the Trustee Board.
1. All activities of the Commission shall be conducted under the supervision of the Trustee Board.
2. The Commission shall be responsible for the election of the Committee positions as per Chapter 4, Article-14, based on the voter list approved by the Committee.
3. The members of the Commission shall discuss and make decisions. The opinion or decision of at least 3 members shall be considered the decision of the Commission.
4. The Commission shall formulate and arrange for the publication of the election schedule, necessary rules, and code of conduct. For this purpose, the Commission shall discuss in a joint meeting with the Executive Committee, Advisory Council, and Trustee Board and shall make its own decision.
5. The Commission shall prepare the necessary budget for the election and submit it to the Committee.
6. The Commission shall fix the election day in September, subject to determining one or more polling centers. If any complication arises regarding the centers, a decision must be taken in consultation with the Trustee Board.
7. The Commission shall be considered committed to performing its duties transparently, fairly, and impartially in all election-related matters.
8. All accounts and vouchers related to the election must be submitted to the Committee within 30 days from the day of the election.
9. If any complaint is raised against any member of the Election Commission, the Committee shall take action according to the decision of the Trustee Board.
1. Life members and members who have paid the fee up to December of that year by June 30th of the last/3rd year (election year) of the Committee's term shall be considered voters.
2. The Committee shall publish the preliminary voter list by July 15th of the last/3rd year (election year) of the Committee's term.
3. The Committee shall settle any objection or correction regarding the voter list and publish the final voter list by August 1st.
1. The candidate in the election must be a permanent resident of Companigonj.
2. Candidates for the positions of President, Vice-President, General Secretary, and Treasurer must have 3 years of regular membership in the association, and candidates for other positions must have 1 year of regular membership in the association.
3. Candidates for the positions of President, Vice-President, General Secretary, and Treasurer must be legal residents of America (US Passport or Green Card holders).
4. a) No member of the responsible Trustee Board or Election Commission can be a candidate. b) An advisor must resign from the advisory position before submitting the nomination paper if they wish to be a candidate in the election.
5. A person convicted of a serious crime under US law (financial fraud, murder, abuse of women and children, drug-related) cannot be a candidate for the Committee.
6. If elected for two consecutive terms or two terms in the same position, the President and General Secretary cannot be a candidate in the third Committee election. However, they may be a candidate again later.
7. If elected twice to either the President or General Secretary position, they cannot be a candidate for that position again.
8. All candidates must pledge to abide by the rules and code of conduct formulated by the Commission and the Commission's decision regarding the election results.
1. Voting must be done through the means determined by the Election Commission (ballot, machine, or others). Each voter shall cast one vote for each position to be elected.
2. To ensure the transparency, discipline, and independent voting rights of respected members residing in outer cities/states, members shall physically attend the polling center to cast their votes.
3. After the voting is complete, the votes will be counted. The Commission shall announce the verbal result after counting the votes and the written result within a maximum of 72 hours. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes for each position shall be considered the winner of that position.
4. If there is only one candidate for any position after verification and withdrawal of nomination papers, that candidate shall be declared the winner of that position.
5. If there is no candidate for any position, the elected Committee shall nominate a member for that position according to Article-23 at its first meeting.
6. If the highest votes for a position are equal for more than one candidate (i.e., a tie), the winning candidate for that position shall be determined by a lottery. Under no circumstances shall a re-election be held for this.
7. The members of the Trustee Board shall observe the voting, vote counting, and result announcement, and have the power to resolve any immediate issue that arises in consultation with the Commission.
1. Any complaint regarding a candidate's nomination paper or candidacy must be submitted in writing to the Election Commission with necessary evidence within 48 hours of the publication of the preliminary candidate list.
2. An objection regarding the Commission's decision on the nomination paper or candidacy can be filed in writing with the Trustee Board within 48 hours of the Commission's decision announcement, along with a fee of $500 (Five Hundred) dollars.
3. A complaint regarding the result can be filed in writing with the Trustee Board within 48 hours of the written result announcement, along with a non-refundable fee of $5,000 (Five Thousand) dollars.
4. The Trustee Board shall resolve the matter concerning the nomination paper/candidacy within a maximum of 7 days, and concerning the result within a maximum of 30 days, after discussion with the concerned parties, collecting necessary information, and reviewing. The decision of the Trustee Board must be accepted by all parties.
5. No complaint or objection can be raised elsewhere without informing the Trustee Board, and if done, action will be taken against the complainant for activities contrary to the constitution.
Admission fees, membership fees, donations, fundraising events, various publications, investment in property, and investments allowed by law for non-profit organizations (such as mutual funds).
1. Implementation of the association's programs and meeting decisions, building maintenance, various publications, and organizing events.
2. The Committee has the power to spend up to a maximum of 7 thousand dollars in a General Meeting. In this case, the possible expenditure category must be discussed and approved in the Committee beforehand, and the income and expenditure account must be reported to the Committee after the meeting.
1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the management of the association's funds. However, the President, General Secretary, and Treasurer shall be aware of all financial matters and shall bear all liabilities.
2. a) A bank account shall be maintained in the name of the association. The account shall be operated with the signatures of the Treasurer, President, and General Secretary. b) If there is a legal issue for the Assistant General Secretary or Assistant Treasurer to operate the account due to a vacancy in the position of General Secretary or Treasurer, an account director can be determined from other members of the Committee. c) No debit/credit card or loan shall be taken against the bank account.
3. Funds collected from any source must be deposited into the account within 7 working days, and the Treasurer, President, and General Secretary shall inform each other in this regard.
4. The member spending the funds shall submit the receipt of the expenditure to the Treasurer with the signature of the President or General Secretary through a specific voucher. The Treasurer shall record all accounts approved by the President or General Secretary in the cash register and preserve the vouchers.
5. The budget for any purchase or event (such as picnic, Iftar party, exchange of views meeting, and others) or publication (such as magazines, leaflets, etc.) must be approved by the Committee beforehand, and the responsible member shall submit the complete account and vouchers to the Treasurer within 30 days of the completion of the purchase or event or publication.
6. If the cost of any event or program or property-related cost exceeds or is equal to $10,000, approval from the Advisory Council must be obtained before implementation. If the Advisory Council's approval is not received, the Committee may present it to the Trustee Board for approval. The decision of the Trustee Board shall be considered final.
7. The bank statement and a brief account of income and expenditure shall be presented at the Committee's monthly meeting.
8. An Audit Committee of 3 members shall be formed before the General Meeting. The Audit Committee shall examine the fund management and present a report to the Committee and the Trustee Board. The said report shall be made known at the General Meeting.
9. The old Committee shall hand over the Audit Report and all financial documents, including the bank account, to the new Committee within 1 month of the handover of responsibilities.
10. If any member causes financial loss to the association or shows erroneous expenditure, organizational action will be taken against that member, and they will be obliged to compensate for the loss. In this case, the Trustee Board must first be informed, and if necessary, the association may seek legal recourse to recover the loss.
1. Advisors may attend any meeting at the invitation of the President and may offer advice and suggestions.
2. They shall oversee whether the Committee's activities are in accordance with the constitution and regulations. They may offer advice and guidance at the Committee's request for organizing various programs and events, and shall provide overall cooperation.
1. The Executive Committee shall form this Council with 17 members within 3 months of taking charge. At least 2 of the advisors shall be nominated from outside New York State.
2. Advisors must be regular members who are prudent, have organizational knowledge, are trusted, and acceptable to the members.
3. The Advisory Council shall assume responsibility from April 1st, and the term of the Council shall be 3 years.
4. If any position in the Council becomes vacant, the Committee shall nominate a new member to that position.
1. The Committee shall form an 11-member Trustee Board within 6 months of taking charge. The members of the Board shall elect 1 person from among themselves as Chairman.
2. Members of the Trustee Board shall be nominated from regular members who have demonstrated sincerity in the association's activities, are prudent, have organizational knowledge, are trusted, and acceptable to the members. They cannot be a member of the Trustee Board again after serving two terms/sessions.
3. The President and General Secretary shall be ex-officio members of the Board. However, if they become a party to any matter brought before the Board, their membership shall be suspended until the matter is settled, and the membership of the President and General Secretary shall be suspended from the announcement of the election schedule until the announcement of the election results.
4. The Trustee Board shall assume responsibility from July 1st, and the term of the Trustee Board shall be 3 years.
5. If any position in the Board becomes vacant, the Committee may nominate a new member to that position.
1. The members of the Trustee Board shall be considered the highest respected members of the association for the stipulated term.
2. If complexity or deadlock arises in the conduct of the Committee's activities or meetings, the Board shall provide guidance at the request of the President, which must be accepted by all.
The members of the Board shall not be able to participate as candidates or in campaign activities in the Committee election.
3. The Trustee Board can supervise the activities of the Election Commission and has the power to resolve any immediate issue in the election process in consultation with the Commission.
4. If any complaint or objection arises regarding the election or Committee formation, the Trustee Board shall resolve it according to Chapter-5, Article 25.
5. If the Executive Committee is not formed at the stipulated time (according to Article-17) or the Committee is dissolved at the end of the term, the Trustee Board shall assume the responsibilities and powers of the Executive Committee. In this case, a) The Board can only conduct regular activities. b) It can determine directors for operating the bank account. c) It shall form the Election Commission, prepare the voter list according to Chapter 5, and arrange for the Committee election within 90 (Ninety) days. However, for special needs, it may take an additional time of up to 30 (Thirty) days.
6. If the Trustee Board fails to elect the Committee at the appropriate time as per 6(c) above, the Board Chairman shall call a special general meeting, and the subsequent course of action shall be determined in that meeting.
1. The Committee shall hold a Committee meeting at least once every month and at least 2 General Meetings during its term. However, any meeting can be held at any time in case of emergency.
2. The General Secretary shall call a meeting in consultation with the President and shall inform the concerned members.
3. The agenda of the Committee meeting must be communicated to the members, and the implementation of the decisions of the previous meeting shall be reviewed in the meeting.
4. The location and date of the General Meeting must be publicized through the media.
5. If 3 consecutive Committee meetings are not called according to point 1 above, the Organizing Secretary, in consultation with the advisors, or one-third of the members of the Executive Council jointly, may call a meeting, and a decision can be taken after discussion in the meeting.
6. The Advisory Council shall meet at least once every 6 months. The President shall call the meeting. The President and General Secretary shall be present at the meeting and shall inform about the Committee's activities and provide necessary information.
7. The Trustee Board shall hold meetings as needed. The President shall call the meeting at the suggestion of the Board Chairman.
8. The Committee may make decisions on important matters through joint meetings or exchange of views meetings with the Advisory Council and the Trustee Board.
9. If Article 32(7) ever applies and the Trustee Board fails to take necessary action, meaning a situation arises where the association is without executive leadership, at least 25 regular members may jointly sign and call an emergency general meeting, and the subsequent course of action shall be determined in that meeting.
1. For decision-making, the presence of more than half (8 persons) of the members is required in the Committee meeting, and at least 5 percent (1/20th portion) of the regular members must be present in the General Meeting. The majority opinion of the members present shall be considered the decision of the meeting.
2. If there is no quorum in a meeting, a meeting can be called again within a maximum of 30 days. If there is no quorum in that meeting, the majority decision of the members present shall be considered the decision of the meeting.
3.Decisions can be taken in the Advisory Council meeting with the presence of at least 7 members, and in the Trustee Board meeting with a minimum of 5 members.
4. If the votes for and against are equal in any meeting (a tie), the President of the meeting may cast the deciding vote. An absent member cannot ask for any explanation regarding the decision taken in the meeting
If any Article or Sub-Article or the meaning or interpretation of a word in the constitution is found to be ambiguous or incomplete or inconsistent with other Articles, the opinion of the Trustee Board in this regard shall be acceptable.
a) To make any amendment, addition, deletion, or change to the constitution, a written proposal from at least 10 regular members must be submitted to the Committee. The Committee shall discuss the proposal in a meeting in the presence of the proposers and the advisors, and if acceptable, it shall be presented to the next General Meeting. It shall be adopted upon approval of the General Meeting. b) In case of emergency (General Meeting, Committee election, member recruitment, voter list), in the interest of maintaining discipline and the effectiveness of the constitution in the association's activities, the Joint Meeting of the Trustee Board, Advisory Council, and Executive Committee may suspend or change the relevant Article or Sub-Article of the constitution for a specific period, and it must be reported to the next General Meeting.
This constitution shall be deemed effective from January 2011 AD, and the previous constitution and regulations shall be considered null and void.
Constitution Drafting Committee formed at the Executive Committee meeting on January 1, 2011:
1. Mr. Elias Ahmed Master
2. Mr. Abdul Malek VP
3. Professor Khairul Islam Mintu
4. Dr. Mohammad Nur Alam Siddique (Munna)
5. Mr. Minhaj Uddin Babar
6. Mr. Abdul Malek
7. Mr. Md. Yousuf Josim
8. Mr. Md. Nasim
9. Mr. Md. Kamal Uddin
10. Mr. Selim Chowdhury (VP Babul), President
11. Mr. Latifur Rahman Liton, General Secretary
Approval at the General Meeting: June 6, 2011 AD 1st Amendment - General Meeting: July 07, 2013 AD 2nd Amendment - General Meeting: July 24, 2016 AD 3rd Amendment - General Meeting: January 20, 2019 AD
I, ---------------------------------------, hereby swear that, in the ---------------- position of the Executive Committee of "Companigonj Welfare Association, U S A" in -------------- AD, I will perform the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me beautifully and properly according to the association's constitution. I will strive to fulfill the association's goals and ideals and implement its programs. I will not participate in any activity contrary to the association's constitution and interests. May the Great Creator be my helper.
Sincerely, Published and circulated by the Executive Committee 2014-2016. 1st Publication: August 1, 2013 Revised Copy Publication: January 20, 2019
Abdul Malek President 917-500-8538
Mosharraf Hossain Sobuj General Secretary 646-662-9118