Senate Resolution No. 2942

BY: Senator LIU

OBSERVING March 16-22, 2020, as Bangabandhu Week
in the State of New York, in recognition of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the
Nation of Bangladesh

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the communities
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
observe March 16-22, 2020, as Bangabandhu Week in the State of New York,
in recognition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the
Nation of Bangladesh; and

WHEREAS, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman spent many years of his
life behind bars, resulting in the freedom of the people of Bangladesh
in 1971; subsequently, more than 300,000 people of Bangladeshi origin
now live in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This year's celebration marks the 100th birthday of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of
Bangladesh, and grew out of the traditional Young People's Festival
organized by the Muktadhara Foundation in 2016; and

WHEREAS, The largest gathering of Bangla language and literature
enthusiasts outside the sub-continent, the Young People's Festival
begins in New York City and will travel to three other cities in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, The Young People's Festival brings together more than 1,000
delegates from different states as well as other countries; more than
10,000 Bangla speakers who live in New York and other North American
states attend the event to enjoy music, books and cultural interaction
with leading writers and artists from the sub-continent; and

WHEREAS, For two decades, Muktadhara, an international organization,
publishing house, and bookstore dedicated to the promotion of Bengali
literature and culture, has celebrated Bengali history, language, and
culture by hosting the Young People's Festival; and

WHEREAS, In addition to seminars, workshops and musical
presentations, the Young People's Festival will include stalls
displaying books and music; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor those
organizations and individuals of significance who add strength, vigor,
and inspiration to the ethnic diversity and quality of life in the
communities of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various
cultures of people who add to the overall diversity of our State and, on

this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the contributions
made by the Bangladeshi-American community and extend best wishes to all
of its members as they hold appropriate ceremonies to commemorate this
historic milestone; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
observe March 16-22, 2020, as Bangabandhu Week in the State of New York,
in recognition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the
Nation of Bangladesh; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Semonti Waheed, Convener of the Young People Festival;
and Bishawjit Saha, Founder & CEO of the Muktadhara Foundation.