Declare Bangladeshi Immigrant Day

September 25, 2019, 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, 2019, 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 Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Noakhali regions, 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 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, 2019, 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.