Moving to a new country as an international student comes with challenges. From expensive airport pickups to securing accommodation, the journey is often overwhelming. Rasel Mahmud Jewel, President of the Bangladeshi International Students Association of California (BiSAC), experienced these struggles firsthand when he arrived in the U.S. Determined to make a difference, he united Bangladeshi students in California to create an organization dedicated to helping newcomers.
On December 16, 2023, the first BiSAC meeting was held at the Transfotech office, thanks to CEO Sheikh Galib Rahman’s generosity. From that meeting, BiSAC emerged as a vital platform for assisting students. Today, it has nearly 800 general members, 382 registered members, and 51 executives. Rasel Mahmud Jewel was elected President, with Linkon Ahmed as Secretary.
BiSAC has provided 46 free airport pickups, helped 71 students secure housing, and guided 481 inquiries on Facebook. Members participated in 21 cultural events, including the Lotus Festival and Korean Festival. The association organizes career workshops and seminars on CPT, OPT, health insurance, and job opportunities. Additionally, BiSAC has funded relief efforts for flood and fire victims and facilitated the repatriation of four deceased students.
The 2025 Annual Picnic honored 42 graduates, with participation from 34 universities—marking substantial growth from the organization’s beginnings with 16 universities. The event featured 12 sports competitions, cultural performances, and a grand raffle draw.
Despite challenges, BiSAC became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit within six months. With its rapid expansion and strong foundation, BiSAC continues to be a lifeline for Bangladeshi students in California, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed in their new journey abroad.
