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.