LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2016, as Bangladeshi-American Heritage Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 recog-
nize and commemorate Bangladeshi-American Heritage Month, an observance
which celebrates the contributions of Bangladeshi-Americans to New York
State's unique heritage; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016, as Bangladeshi-American Heritage
Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, March 26th marks the 45th Anniversary of the Independence of
Bangladesh; and
WHEREAS, More than 74,000 Bangladeshi immigrants live in New York
City, a 20 percent increase since 2009, making them the 11th-largest
foreign-born population in the City; and
WHEREAS, Bangladeshi-Americans maintain large residential communities
in Parkchester in the Bronx, Kensington in Brooklyn, and Richmond Hill
and Jamaica Hills in Queens among other neighborhoods and communities
throughout the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Our State and Nation are blessed with many citizens of
Bangladesh descent who are distinguished by their excellence and their
contributions to all fields of endeavor; some of these esteemed resi-
dents include: Jawad Karim, co-founder of YouTube; Abul Hussam, inventor
of the Sono arsenic filter; Abuhena Saifulislam, first Muslim to be
appointed as imam in the United States Navy; M. Osman Siddique, American
diplomat and second Muslim-American to serve as a U.S. Ambassador; and
Hansen Clarke, former U.S. Congressman and first Bangladeshi-American to
serve in Congress; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Bangladeshi-Americans have greatly contributed to
the leadership, wisdom and vitality of our great State and Nation, have
become engaged in community life and are represented among a wide array
of professions and careers such as: doctors, engineers, computer scien-
tists, programmers, web designers, lawyers, accountants, professors,
research scientists, pharmacists, nurses, investment bankers, insurers,
management consultants, poets, writers, columnists, journalists,
editors, members of the military and consultants in Federal and State
governments; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important months which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage
of our great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these impor-
tant celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities; this
much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will foster
greater appreciation for Bangladeshi culture and serve to promote the
spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016, as
Bangladeshi-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.