Strongmen and extortionists are not as readily visible in the United States as they are in Bangladesh, but silent “rent seeking” has become a regular occurrence in the community. In particular, the practice of collecting donations is rampant during the summer season when the number of community events increases.

Different regional, social, and cultural organizations arrange different functions as a way to generate publicity, and picnics are the most popular type of function. At various events, host organizations advertise and hold raffles to bring in donations from businessmen.

Foreign-based organizations compete with each other for funds and are forced to approach different businessmen for donations in order to cover the expenses of any function. They pressure the businessmen, often by using the influence of respected members of the community so that the businessmen feel they have no other option but to donate. Although there are two more weeks before summer is in full swing, the collection of donations has already begun.

One prominent businessman said that he has already received 57 requests to attend different functions, to give donations, and to extend a helping hand. He said that he is afraid to answer the phone, but the nature of his business demands that he maintain positive public relations. The situation is so bad that he is thinking about returning to his native country to avoid the pressure of donation-seekers.

During the picnic season, tax filing businesses and travel agents are the main targets for donations. These businesses have direct connections with the public and are subjected to an onslaught of requests.

One businessman in Jackson Heights said that he is asked to give either cash or in-kind donations, often contributions of goat, raw meat, and fish for picnics. Because members of the organization are year-round customers, their requests cannot be disregarded; however, the community doesn’t understand how helpless business owners feel when approached for contributions.

Some people give donations in exchange for the chance to deliver a speech. They negotiate the length of the speech relative to the amount of the donation. Others give donations for the opportunity to present awards to celebrities. Some organizations collect donations for no good cause, and, it seems, there are always people willing to give donations with no strings attached. The New York Bangladesh Society has already started seeking donations from different people to hold its picnic this summer.