Senate Resolution No. 197

BY: Senator STAVISKY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 25, 2021, 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, 2021, as
Bangladeshi Immigrant Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi immigrants left family and friends in
Bangladesh (sugg: or their country) and began arriving in the United
States in the late 19th Century; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi immigrants came to New York City where many
worked at the waterfront and on various ship docks; and

WHEREAS, Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971; and

WHEREAS, On September 25, 1974, an historic day for the Bengali
community, the first speech was delivered in the Bengali language to the
General Assembly of the United Nations; it was given by the father of
the nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; and

WHEREAS, More than 10,000 Bangladeshis immigrated to the United
States annually, primarily mainly from the regions of Dhaka, Chittagong,
Sylhet and Noakhali; and

WHEREAS, In 2018 there were over 80,000 Bengalis living in New York
City, many in Queens; and

WHEREAS, For over 20 years, the Muktadhara Foundation, a New York
based organization dedicated to the promotion of Bengali culture, has
celebrated its history and culture through various community events
including the Bangla Festival and Book Fair; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2021, 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.