1. Give us an overview of the Bangladesh Vespa Community (BVC) and what was the inspiration behind this dedicated space for scooter enthusiasts in Bangladesh?

The Bangladesh Vespa Community (BVC) was established in 2016 with a shared passion for Vespa scooters. Initially, our group remained dormant, with members participating in various other activities and clubs. However, our common interest brought us together under the banner of BVC, and we were determined to make it thrive. 

The Bangladesh Vespa Community was founded by Ashim Ahmed and myself, MD. Didarul Islam, and it continues to thrive under their visionary leadership. Our community structure includes dedicated administrators, moderators, and an esteemed advisory panel. Together, we operate as a cohesive team, making collective decisions to steer our community forward.

What truly sets us apart from other communities is our unwavering commitment to self-sufficiency. We proudly fund our activities with our own resources and volunteer efforts, distinguishing us from those who rely on external funding. This independence is a source of immense pride for all our members, as it reflects our dedication and genuine passion for being part of a community that is driven by shared values and a strong sense of purpose.

Within BVC, we also have a sister organization known as the Bangladesh Vespa Club, which is an integral part of our community. Our decision to unite under the Bangladesh Vespa Community was driven by our desire to move forward together, as one cohesive entity.

The Bangladesh Vespa Community has played a pivotal role in uniting the entire scooter community in Bangladesh. Enthusiasts from all walks of life have joined hands, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion. Our primary objective extends beyond our love for Vespa scooters; we aspire to make a positive impact on society through various welfare initiatives and other meaningful endeavors.

In essence, BVC is not just about scooters; it’s about building a community that drives positive change and embodies the spirit of togetherness. Through our united efforts, we aim to contribute to the greater good and create a lasting impact on our society.

2. Tell us a little about how BVC fosters a sense of community among scooter enthusiasts and highlight some of the regular activities or events that BVC organizes for its members.

Every year, we organize a series of remarkable programs within the Bangladesh Vespa Community (BVC). These events, while not officially announced as large-scale gatherings, consistently draw in over a hundred enthusiastic participants. They showcase our commitment to fostering a strong community of Vespa enthusiasts and celebrating our unique culture.

One such event is our “Breakfast Festival,” a delightful occasion where Vespa riders come together to enjoy a hearty morning meal. We also host the “Folahar Uthshob,” a vibrant fruit festival that celebrates the diverse fruits of our beautiful country. Notably, we introduced the innovative “BVC in Metro” event, where we embarked on an exciting Vespa ride within the metro system, captivating the participation of a hundred fellow riders. We even rode the Padma Shetu, achieving a milestone as the first BVC group to ride with a remarkable 130-140 participants.

Our “Fruits Festival” stands out as a signature event, featuring an array of fruits from Bangladesh, and consistently draws a crowd of 150-200 attendees. Additionally, we initiated the “Nobabi Ride” last year, which has now grown into a grand event with nearly 250 participants. Dressed in white Panjabi and white lungi attire, this ride is a spectacular display of unity and culture, bringing together Vespa enthusiasts from all corners.

Furthermore, we’ve successfully launched the “Cox’s Bazar Carnival,” a five-day extravaganza that attracted around 150 participants traveling from Dhaka and Chittagong. Notably, we were joined by an additional 40 participants from Cox’s Bazar itself, marking a significant achievement in community engagement.

Each of our programs represents a unique milestone, pushing the boundaries of what was previously considered possible. Noteworthy events like the “Nobabi Ride” and “Gentleman’s Ride” have garnered widespread interest, with 30-40 participants traveling from Chittagong to be part of these grand occasions.

3. Walk us through The Vespa World Day 2023 event and share the event’s objectives and the experiences of the participants. 

The Vespa World Day 2022 was celebrated at the prestigious 300 Feet Purbachal Ladies Club. This year, in 2023, we chose the enchanting Rajpolli Resort as our venue. What made this year’s celebration truly groundbreaking was the remarkable turnout – an astounding 500 people joined us, surpassing our previous records of 250-300 attendees. Notably, this event became a family affair, with participants including family members, women, and children. It evolved into a day-long program, from morning to night, marked by both festivity and a noble cause.

One of our primary objectives during this event was to collect funds for the flood-affected people in Chittagong. Additionally, we have a longstanding tradition of utilizing the funds we collect throughout the year for various philanthropic activities. These endeavors include hosting iftar mahfils for orphans and providing food to orphanages across the country. During the winter season, we extend our assistance by donating winter clothing to impoverished individuals.

The Vespa World Day 2023 was an extensive affair, featuring a wide range of activities and attractions. The event boasted a 360-degree setup, including a bio-scope, a bangles shop, face painting, shooting games, and even a swimming pool, offering something for everyone. We took this opportunity to honor and appreciate our dedicated technicians and contributors, presenting them with mementos as tokens of our gratitude. To add an element of excitement, we organized a raffle draw, providing attendees with the chance to win enticing prizes.

Furthermore, we ensured that everyone’s taste buds were satisfied with unlimited ice cream, snacks, and a delightful buffet. This event served as a testament to the unity and generosity of the Vespa community, where we come together not only to celebrate our passion for Vespa but also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those less fortunate in our society.

During the Vespa World Day 2023, we experienced an exhilarating sense of camaraderie and achievement as we welcomed around 45 riders from the Chittagong Vespa Club (CVC) and the United Scooters Riders Chittagong (USRC). This heartwarming collaboration marked a significant milestone for our community, illustrating the growing unity among Vespa enthusiasts.

Notably, our event also attracted participants from far and wide, showcasing the universal appeal of our gatherings. We had riders join us from England, Jessore, Rajshahi, Khulna, Cumilla, and beyond, which served as a true source of inspiration for us.

While organizing an event of this magnitude with 500 participants is no small feat, we received invaluable support from our dedicated partners. Although we don’t typically seek large sponsorships, we were fortunate to have the wholehearted assistance of the Volkswagen Club BD. Our close connection with both Vespa and Volkswagen Club BD is deeply rooted in shared values and aspirations for the betterment of society.

It’s worth noting that we are gearing up to celebrate the silver jubilee of Volkswagen Club BD in the near future, which promises to be a grand event. However, like any significant undertaking, we may encounter some minor challenges along the way.

4. Maintaining vintage scooters requires passion and expertise. How does BVC support its members in terms of technical knowledge, restoration tips, and general scooter care?

When it comes to technical expertise and restoration guidance, our community is equipped with a dedicated team of experts. These seasoned individuals are passionate about preserving the heritage of vintage scooters and are always ready to offer invaluable restoration tips and advice. We go the extra mile to facilitate knowledge sharing by organizing informative workshops where enthusiasts can acquire hands-on experience and interact with fellow enthusiasts.

Furthermore, recognizing that vintage scooters demand meticulous care, we have established partnerships with trusted experts in the field. These partnerships ensure that members receive comprehensive and cordial assistance for general scooter maintenance and upkeep. Our commitment to maintaining and cherishing these classic vehicles goes beyond our events; it extends to fostering a supportive and knowledgeable community that is always eager to help one another.

5. Volkswagen cars and Vespas are iconic symbols of our city’s heritage, but being vintage vehicles, they likely demand significant maintenance. Share the main challenges involved in keeping these automotive treasures in good condition?

Maintaining both Volkswagen and Vespa vehicles can be quite challenging due to their unique requirements. However, the advantage of having a close-knit community of like-minded individuals is that we can collectively overcome these challenges. Our community has established two key resources to address these needs effectively.

Firstly, we have a dedicated garage specifically designed for technical work on Volkswagen vehicles. This garage serves as a hub for addressing complex mechanical issues and ensuring that our Volkswagen cars are in optimal condition. Additionally, we have Nurul Islam’s garage, known as the “Oldie Goldie Auto Squad”, which specializes in dent repair, painting, and other aesthetic aspects of vehicle restoration. This two-pronged approach allows us to comprehensively care for our beloved Volkswagen vehicles.

One of the significant hurdles we face is sourcing the necessary parts for both Volkswagen and Vespa. While Volkswagen parts are not always readily available, we have established connections with international suppliers to bridge this gap. We import these essential components from abroad, ensuring that we have access to the best quality parts to maintain our vehicles.

For Vespa parts, we do source some components from India, but to ensure top-of-the-line quality and availability, we extend our sourcing to countries such as Malaysia, Bangkok, Singapore, and Italy. This global network of parts acquisition ensures that our Vespa scooters receive the utmost care and attention.

We collaborate with reputable importers like Bismillah Enterprise and Deen and Sons to secure high-quality parts from India. In certain cases, we also procure specific elements directly from international sources. This diversified approach to parts acquisition ensures that our community members have access to the best components, enabling us to uphold the legacy of both Volkswagen and Vespa vehicles within our community.

6. What vision does BVC carry and are there any upcoming events, projects, or goals to share with our readers?

BVC’s vision transcends the boundaries of a traditional club; we proudly refer to ourselves as a community. Our commitment to fostering unity and shared purpose extends to our recent acquisition of a 5 Bigha plot in Pushpodhara. This space is envisioned as a gathering place for our members, and we extend the invitation to all members of our Facebook groups, offering exclusive memberships to further our shared goals.

At the heart of our mission is the integration of social welfare into our activities. While we engage in initiatives such as tree planting and supporting the less fortunate, we uphold the belief that our actions should speak louder than words. We don’t seek to boast or show off our efforts but rather to make a meaningful impact quietly and humbly.

Within BVC, we’ve gathered a remarkable community that spans more than 10,000 members, and our doors are open to individuals of all ages, from 18 to 80 years old. Our community is diverse, with a significant representation of female members who feel secure and respected within our ranks. We take pride in creating a safe and inclusive environment where families can actively participate, knowing that everyone shares common values and interests.

Our upcoming events reflect our commitment to maintaining an active and engaging calendar within the community. First and foremost, the highly anticipated “Gentleman’s Ride” is scheduled for this year, promising an enjoyable gathering that showcases our unique style and camaraderie. Additionally, we are closely monitoring the political situation to determine the feasibility of hosting a second carnival, which would be a fantastic opportunity for our members to come together once again.

In the meantime, we are pleased to continue our monthly “Cha-Adda” sessions. These gatherings are a testament to our thriving community, with approximately 100 participants attending each month. These events provide a platform for meaningful conversations, bonding, and the exchange of ideas among like-minded individuals.

Our commitment to ensuring the well-being and happiness of all members is unwavering. We operate under the principles of right leadership, promoting a calm and joyous atmosphere where everyone’s voice is heard and respected. Our vision for the future of BVC is not just about scooters; it’s about fostering a community where like-minded individuals come together, make a positive impact on society, and find camaraderie and happiness in their shared passion and purpose.