Senate Resolution No. 2059

BY: Senator LIU

COMMEMORATING the 2022 Young People's Festival in
recognition of the 102nd Anniversary of the Birth 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
commemorate the 2022 Annual Young People's Festival, now in its 6th
year, in recognition of its celebration of the 102nd Anniversary of the
Birth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of
Bangladesh, and the 51st Anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh;
and

WHEREAS, This year, on the occasion of the 102nd Birthday of the
Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,
who was born on March 17, 1920, and the 51st Anniversary of the
Independence of Bangladesh, the Muktadhara Foundation will host a
three-day Children's Festival in Queens, March 17-19, 2022, which will
include various thematic competitions, seminars, as well as open forums;
there will also be a special segment dedicated to identifying 'young
heroes' who have already set pioneering examples of community services
and leadership; the week will also see numerous events, in New York and
beyond, marking Bangabandhu's birth centenary; and

WHEREAS, The focus of the 2022 Young People's Festival is to connect
the members of the Bangladesh community, especially the new generation
of Bangladeshi-Americans, with the history and culture of Bangladesh and
locate a multicultural purpose of their life and work in the United
States; and

WHEREAS, Bangabandhu was a world's statesman, who stressed the
importance of peace, justice, and global equity; by encouraging the
young Bangladeshi-Americans to learn from Bangabandhu's life, the
Foundation hopes to lead them to a more globalized living; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate has declared September 25th as
Bangladeshi Immigrants Day as a recognition of the role being played by
the Bangladeshi-Americans in promoting a culture of tolerance and
harmonious living; greatly appreciated by the Bangladeshi community in
New York, the declaration of Bangabandhu Children's Festival Week will
further strengthen the ties between Bangladeshi immigrants and their
communities as this will encourage them to follow the footsteps of their
great founding father; and

WHEREAS, The month of March is significant to the Bangladeshi
community in many other ways; in conjunction with the anniversary of the
birth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, March 17th is also
Children's Day in Bangladesh; and


WHEREAS, In addition, March 26th is the Anniversary of Bangladesh's
Independence; the year 2022, will mark the 51st Anniversary, which will
be observed with a myriad of events; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with
other freedom fighters, diligently worked to gain independence from
Pakistan; on March 7th of that year, Bangabandhu gave a famous speech at
the Ramna Racecourse calling for non-cooperation, and on March 26th,
independence was officially declared; 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
commemorate the 2022 Young People's Festival in recognition of its
celebration of the 102nd Anniversary of the Birth of Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, and the 51st
Anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Muktadhara Foundation.