Senate Resolution No. 527

BY: Senator STAVISKY

RECOGNIZING the celebration of September 25, 2017,
as Bangladeshi Immigrant Day by the Muktadhara
Foundation

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the people of this State acknowledge significant milestones of
historical importance; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize the celebration of September 25, 2017, as Bangladeshi
Immigrant Day by the Muktadhara Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi immigrants started arriving in the United
States in the late 19th Century; they left behind the hard economic and
political times of the still developing Bangladesh which achieved
independence from Pakistan in 1971; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of Bangladesh Independence Day reminds us
of the ancient culture which has emerged as one of the foremost examples
of the integration of various languages and cultures to realize a nation
which incorporates varied backgrounds and histories to provide for an
independent nation; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi-Americans have contributed to the leadership,
economy and vitality of our great State and Nation; they have become
engaged in community life and are represented among a wide array of
professions working together in the labor force, with many of them
holding professional or managerial positions; and

WHEREAS, In the last 50 years, Bangladeshi immigration has increased
substantially with a half-million people residing in the United States;
and

WHEREAS, The New York City metropolitan area has tens of thousands
of Bangladeshi immigrants residing there and many have found a new home
in communities in the borough of Queens; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi immigrants in New York have established
diaspora organizations to promote the Bengali language, culture and
assist the region's development; and

WHEREAS, On September 19, 1974, Bangladesh was accorded membership
in the United Nations; and

WHEREAS, On September 25th, Sheik Mujibur Rahman addressed the 29th
Session of the United Nations General Assembly in his native Bangla
language even though he was fluent in English, the first time anyone
delivered a speech in that language at the U.N.; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the significance of the September 25,
1974, speech at the United Nations to the Bangladeshi people, the
Muktadhara Foundation will celebrate Bangladeshi Immigrant Day on

September 25, 2017, an event which will be attended by Bangladeshi Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the celebration of September 25, 2017, as Bangladeshi
Immigrant Day by the Muktadhara Foundation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed be
transmitted to Bishawjit Saha, President of the Muktadhara Foundation.