Assembly Resolution No. 214

BY: M. of A. Rajkumar

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 26, 2023, as Bangladesh Independence Day in
the State of New York

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 community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2023, as
Bangladesh Independence Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The People's Republic of Bangladesh is a trusted ally of
our State and Nation, enjoying friendly relations, partnering in trade,
cooperating on defense, and coordinating humanitarian aid and
interventions; and

WHEREAS, Bangladesh is a thriving democracy, whose people enjoy
freedom, popular representation, and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, The nation prospers today because of a dedicated
independence movement, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is revered as
the Father of the Nation, becoming its first President and later Prime
Minister; and

WHEREAS, Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on March 26,
commemorating the anniversary of the 1971 radio broadcast of a message
from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaiming Bangladeshi independence; and

WHEREAS, The independence of Bangladesh was only possible because of
the Freedom Fighters who courageously risked their lives to provide
fierce resistance during the war, and Bangladesh Independence Day honors
their bravery; and

WHEREAS, The United States is home to about 200,000 Bangladeshi
Americans, many of whom live in the New York area, where they have made
immeasurable contributions to all facets of life; and

WHEREAS, Over 60,000 Bangladeshi Americans live in New York City,
where they constitute a proud, vibrant community, and count among
themselves small business owners, doctors, developers, journalists,
scholars, artists, municipal workers, drivers for hire, and community
leaders; and

WHEREAS, Bangladeshi New Yorkers have left an indelible imprint,
comprising one of the fastest-growing communities in New York City,
where Bengali is now one of the most commonly-spoken languages; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and

exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2023, as
Bangladesh Independence Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, the Consul General of Bangladesh, and various Bangladeshi
organizations in the State of New York.