K 217: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2025, as Bangladesh Independence Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 217 BY: M. of A. Rajkumar MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2025, 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, 2025, 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, 2025, 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.