 
Senate Resolution No. 440
 
BY: Senator LIU
 
        RECOGNIZING   March   26,   2021,   as  Bangladesh
        Independence Day
 
  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize  that
the  people  of  this  State  acknowledge significant days of historical
importance; the Independence of Bangladesh is such an event; and
 
  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to join  with  fellow
Bengali citizens to recognize March 26, 2021, as Bangladesh Independence
Day; and
 
  WHEREAS,  The  50th  Anniversary  of Bangladesh's independence is an
occasion  of  great  historical  as  well  as  emotional  importance  to
Bangladeshi-Americans;  many  of  them  had taken part in the liberation
war, either on the battlefield or through other activities while  living
in the United States in 1971; and
 
  WHEREAS,  In  1971,  during Bangladesh's liberation, more than three
million people lost their lives; 50  years  later,  their  memory  still
inspires the people of Bangladesh to build a peaceful nation; and
 
  WHEREAS,  As  an  integral  part  of the socio-economic and cultural
fabric of New York, Bangladeshi-Americans continue to play a vital  role
in  promoting  a  multi-cultural  and  progressive  environment  for all
communities, contributing in numerous ways to its growth and prosperity;
and
 
  WHEREAS, The observance of  Bangladesh's  golden  jubilee  helps  to
bring  Bangladeshi-Americans  closer  to other ethnic communities in the
State of New York; and
 
  WHEREAS, The Muktadhara Foundation has been promoting the observance
of Bangladesh's Independence Day on March  26th  since  2016  through  a
colorful public parade; and
 
  WHEREAS,  This  vital  organization  has  honored several Americans,
including film-maker Lear Levine and  leader  of  the  Quaker  Community
Richard  Tayler,  for their immense contribution to Bangladesh's freedom
movement, through special commemorative events; and
 
  WHEREAS, In addition, the Muktadhara Foundation has  organized  book
displays  and  photo  exhibits on Bangladesh's freedom struggle and, for
the past  five  years,  has  organized  an  annual  children's  festival
honoring  the  birth of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of
the Nation of Bangladesh; and
 
  WHEREAS,  This  year,  upon  the  occasion  of   Bangladesh's   50th
Anniversary, the Muktadhara Foundation has organized a week-long virtual
celebration   that  will  include  seminars,  discussions  and  cultural
activities; this will also be the 30th Anniversary of  the  Bangla  Book
Fair that the Foundation has organized since 1991; and
 
  WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the accomplishments of the
Bengali  people  around  the  world  and  commends  the integrity of the
citizens of  Bangladesh  and  their  perseverance  in  their  fight  for
independence; now, therefore, be it
 
  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize March 26, 2021, as Bangladesh  Independence  Day;  and  be  it
further
 
  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Muktadhara Foundation.
Recognizing March 26, 2021, as Bangladesh Independence Day

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