Senate Resolution No. 3018

BY: Senator LIU

OBSERVING the week of September 6-13, 2020, as
Bangabandhu New York Book Fair Week, in recognition
of the promotion of Bangla language and literature

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthen the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of this great Empire State are proud to
recognize and commemorate International Bangla Festival and Book Fair
Week, this year renamed the Bangabandhu New York Book Fair Week, an
observance which celebrates the contributions of Bengali-Americans to
New York State's unique heritage; Bangabandhu is a term, when translated
means Friend of Bengal (or Bangla); and

WHEREAS, Since 1992, the Muktadhara Foundation, an organization
dedicated to the promotion of Bangla, also known as Bengali, literature
and culture, has organized the International Bangla Festival and Book
Fair, the largest gathering of Bangla language and literature
enthusiasts outside of the Indian Subcontinent; and

WHEREAS, The Festival brings together more than 1,000 delegates from
different states as well as other countries, and more than 10,000
attendees from New York and across the United States to enjoy music and
books with leading writers and artists; and

WHEREAS, Journalists, industrialists, bankers and IT specialists
will participate in the 29th International Bangla Festival; in addition
to seminars, workshops and musical presentations, the festival will
include stalls displaying books, real estate, music and handicrafts; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events
of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention,
they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
observe the week of September 6-13, 2020, as Bangabandhu New York Book
Fair Week, in recognition of the promotion of Bangla language and
literature; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Ziaudin Ahmed, Convener, Bangabandhu New York Book
Fair 2020, and Bishawjit Saha, Founder and CEO, Muktadhara Foundation.