Senate Resolution No. 2346

BY: Senator STAVISKY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 25, 2020, as Bangladeshi Immigrant Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2020, as
Bangladeshi Immigrant Day in the State of New York; and

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

WHEREAS, During this time, the largest groups of Bangladeshi
immigrants arrived in New York City, where many worked at the ports on
various ship docks; and

WHEREAS, Hailing mostly from the regions of Dhaka, Chittagong,
Sylhet and Noakhali, more than 10,000 Bangladeshis immigrate to the
United States annually; and

WHEREAS, As of 2014, the total number of Bangladeshi immigrants in
the United States was approximately 500,000, with more than half
residing in New York; and

WHEREAS, On September 25, 1974, for the first time in its history,
the father of the nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibir
Rahman, gave a speech in Bengali in the general assembly of the United
Nations; and

WHEREAS, For two decades, the Muktadhara Foundation, a New York
based organization dedicated to the promotion of Bengali culture, has
celebrated its history and literature by hosting the Bangla Festival and
Book Fair; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the accomplishments of the
Bengali people around the world as well as their perseverance in their
fight for independence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2020, as
Bangladeshi Immigrant Day in the State of New York, and to recognize the
many contributions of Bangladeshi-Americans to New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; and
Bishawjit Saha, CEO and Founder of the Muktadhara Foundation Inc.