Assembly Resolution No. 2444

BY: M. of A. Rules (Reyes)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
December 16, 2024, as Bangladesh Victory Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the people of this State acknowledge significant days of historical
importance; Victory Day in Bangladesh is such an event; and

WHEREAS, The Liberation War, also known as the Bangladesh War of
Independence, began after the Pakistani military junta based in West
Pakistan launched Operation Searchlight against the people of East
Pakistan on the night of March 25, 1971; and

WHEREAS, The war ended on December 16, 1971, after West Pakistan
surrendered and Bangladesh sent them back to their country by expressing
a spirit of generosity and forgiveness; and

WHEREAS, Victory Day is a national holiday in Bangladesh, celebrated
on December 16th each year to commemorate the victory of the allied
forces over the Pakistani forces in the Bangladesh Liberation War; and

WHEREAS, The Commanding Officer of the Pakistani Forces, General AAK
Niazi, surrendered to the Allied Forces Commander, General Jagjit Singh
Aurora of Bangladesh, which marked the end of the nine-month-long
Bangladesh Liberation War and the 1971 official secession of East
Pakistan into Bangladesh; and

WHEREAS, Bangladesh Victory Day is observed as a national holiday;
the country's government begins the day with 31 rounds of gunfire at
sunrise, and

WHEREAS, Special prayers at all Armed Forces Mosques for peace and
advancement of the nation and the continuous progress of Armed Forces
are employed on this special day; and

WHEREAS, It is custom for the Honorable President and Prime Minister
to pay their respects at the National Mausoleum and memorial of the
martyrs of the Liberation War on this day annually; and

WHEREAS, The total number of lives lost as a cause of the Bangladesh
Liberation War, both military and civilian, is estimated to fall in the
range of 500,000 to 3 million; these casualties serve as a reminder of
the cost of freedom, urging the beneficiaries of said freedom to never
take it for granted; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various
cultures and practices of people who add to the overall diversity of our
State, and, on this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the
contributions made by the Bangladesh-American community and extend best
wishes to all its members as they hold appropriate ceremonies to
commemorate this important day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim December 16, 2024, as
Bangladesh Victory Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York.