Welcome to FOSA

FOSA, Foreign Office Spouses’ Association was established in 1971 after our independence War. Back then the Association was known by the name ‘Foreign Office Wives Association (FOWA)’. It has been renamed as FOSA to make it more inclusive. FOSA was established as a volunteer, not for profit and non-political organization. Mrs. Jahanara Siddique, Spouse of the Hon’ble Foreign Adviser, Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain is the Chief Patron of FOSA.

The spouses of the officers serving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the Bangladesh Missions abroad are the general members of FOSA.

FOSA is well known for its philanthropic work. There is an executive Committee who plays a vital role in FOSA. Female spouses are working their ways and collectively in promoting the image of our beloved FOSA. Their dedication, contribution and efforts are praiseworthy.

FOSA members are closely involved in the work of diplomacy alongside their spouses and they are working to elevate the image of Bangladesh both at home and abroad.

We always have to keep in mind that we represent our country and our work should reflect the values and ethos of Bangladesh.

To promote our country, we host dinners, lunches and high-tea, so that foreign diplomats can experience our culinary culture. In addition, we show-case our traditional clothing as well as our diverse culture.

FOSA members also arranged meetings to share their experiences, the challenge and difficulties, they face abroad including the challenges relating to living while working abroad and additionally FOSA offers mental health support to employees and their family members for both personal and work related issue.

I have been a member of FOSA (Formerly FOWA) since 1998. I had the first exposure as a diplomat’s spouse and had lot of activities/ classes on table manner for sit down dinner, buffet lunches, cooking demonstrations and all other traditional role of a diplomat’s wife.

FOSA is well-known for its charity works. The association has been providing financial support to the low paid employees of the Ministry to bear the cost of education of their children and helping them when their family members are seriously affected by natural disaster/ calamities or unfortunate incidents. When posted abroad, we also raise fund of the organization for the host countries. We also contribute our funds to different organizations or relief funds for vulnerable people. All the year round, FOSA undertakes some fund raising activities as well.

In the past years, FOSA started to arrange comprehensive charity programmes and colourful events. This year we are arranging it for the third time with the full support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We hope to heighten and deepen our efforts to work for the disadvantaged people of our beloved country.

The members of FOSA are committed to continue their work both in representing Bangladesh abroad undertaking various activities and by helping the people in need.

Shaila Parveen

President

Foreign Office Spouses’ Association