Governor Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2020, as Bangladeshi Immigrant Day in the State of New York

J2346  STAVISKY  Adopted January 14, 2020

Senate Resolution No. 2346

BY: Senator STAVISKY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2020, 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, 2020, as Bangladeshi Immigrant Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi immigrants began arriving in the United  States
in the late 19th Century, leaving behind the hard economic and political
times  of  the  still developing Bangladesh, which achieved independence
from Pakistan in 1971; and

WHEREAS, During this time, the  largest  groups  of  Bangladeshi
immigrants arrived  in New York City, where many worked at the ports on
various ship docks; and

WHEREAS, Hailing mostly from the regions of Dhaka, Chittagong,
Sylhet and Noakhali, more than 10,000 Bangladeshis immigrate to the
United States annually; and

WHEREAS, As of 2014, the total number of Bangladeshi immigrants  in
the United States was approximately 500,000, with more than half
residing in New York; and

WHEREAS, On September 25, 1974, for the first time in its history,
the father of the nation of  Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibir
Rahman, gave a speech in Bengali in the general assembly of  the  United
Nations; and

WHEREAS,  For  two  decades, the Muktadhara Foundation, a New York
based organization dedicated to the promotion of  Bengali  culture,  has
celebrated its history and literature by hosting the Bangla Festival and
Book Fair; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2020, 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.