Senate Resolution No. 493

BY: Senator SEPULVEDA

CELEBRATING March 26, 2023, as Bangladesh Day and
commemorating the birth centenary of Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of
Bangladesh, and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh
independence

WHEREAS, March 26th is the national independence day of Bangladesh;
this day is celebrated in Bangladesh and also all around the world in
honor of its country's Declaration of Independence from Pakistan in the
late hours of March 25, 1971, and the start of the Bangladesh Liberation
War; and

WHEREAS, This day also commemorates the 103rd birthday of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh,
and is a memorial to the deaths of thousands of students, civilians,
political leaders, and unarmed Bengali people; the Bangladesh Liberation
War started between West and East Pakistan; and

WHEREAS, West Pakistan believed they were far superior to those in
East Pakistan; they gave East Pakistan no privileges; they had a bad
economy, and no rights; and

WHEREAS, The first election in the history of Pakistan was held on
December 7, 1970; there were 300 seats in the parliament; East Pakistan
won 160 seats and West Pakistan won 81 seats; instead of handing over
the power to the winning party, they imposed martial law on East
Pakistan; and

WHEREAS, East Pakistani leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
urged the Bengali people to turn their homes into resisting forts; he
said, "Our struggle is for our freedom. Our struggle is for our
independence"; this speech is what mainly inspired the nation to fight
for freedom; and

WHEREAS, The West Pakistani army sent a military plan known as
Operation Searchlight; it was planned to curb the Bengalis' movement by
taking control of major cities, and eliminating all opposition,
political or military; and

WHEREAS, At this point, March 26, 1971, the Bangladesh Liberation
War had broken out in the whole country; this was the day the Bengali
people stood up to the Pakistani Army; and

WHEREAS, After a nine month long war, the Pakistani army finally
surrendered unconditionally; many lives were lost but Bangladesh, as a
country, gained its freedom, its independence; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
great contributions which the Bangladesh community have brought to our
State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Many Bangladesh people have made New York their home, and
this Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York,

is pleased to thank the Bangladesh people for their contributions to
this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate March 26, 2023, as Bangladesh Day and commemorate the 103rd
birthday of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of
Bangladesh, and the 52nd Anniversary of Bangladesh independence; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed be
transmitted to various Bangladesh organizations throughout the State of
New York.