Bangladeshi expatriates who have shown their excellence in the mainstream politics of the United States have been honoured in New York on Saturday.
North America edition of the 'Bangladesh Pratidin' and online portal nypratidin.com accorded the reception at the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel in Queens, New York in the evening (New York time).
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen, Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir, Advisor to former US President Barack Obama; Neena Ahmed, Bangladesh Pratidin editor Naem Nizam and freedom fighters living in the US handed over the crests to the Bangladeshi expats who shown their excellence in the mainstream politics of the United States.
The organisers said that despite various limitations, as many as 37 Bangladeshis have become successful by placing them in the mainstream politics of the USA.
More than 27 Bangladeshis elected at New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Michigan state parliament, city council, county level participated the programme.
The awardees are Georgia state senator Sheikh Rahman, former President Barack Obama’s adviser Dr Nina Ahmad, New Hampshire state representative Aboul Khan, Melbourne City Mayor Mahbubul Alam, New Jersey councilman Dr Nuran Nabi, New York City councilwoman Shahana Hanif, Melbourne city councilmen Nurul Hasan, Alauddin Patwari, Mansoor Ali Mithu and Rafiqul Islam Jiban, New Jersey councilman-At-Large Md Forid Uddin, Hamtramck City Mayor Pro-tem Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, councilman Nayeem Choudhury, Upper Darby Councilman Sheikh Siddique, New Jersey councilwoman Shepa Uddin, Hudson city board of supervisors Abdus Miah, Alderman Dewan Sarwar and Shershah Mizan, councilwoman Tahsina Ahmed of Heldon City, Democratic Party’ Refugio County unit chair Nihal Rahim, New York State Committeewoman Jamilla Uddin, Judicial Delegates Mohammad Sabul Uddin, Nusrat Alam and Jami M Qazi, Democratic Party’s Palm Beach county unit board member Junaid Akhtar, Queens Democratic Party’s district leader Mofazzal Hossain and Morshed Alam.
Bangladeshi politicians from both Democratic and Republican parties also attended the event.
At the beginning of the programme, the national anthems of Bangladesh and the US were rendered.
Later, crests were handed over to the 'Bengal Heroes'.
Speaking as the chief guest, Foreign Minister Abdul Momen praised the 'Bengal Heroes' saying, “Each of you is our crown. You are ambassador of Bangladesh abroad.”
“Today I feel very proud that we are here. We have been urging for this (US) mainstream politics for long time. They have proved that they are elected as people's representatives. Thank you all.”
Praising Bangladesh Pratidin’s initiative to accord the reception, Georgia state senator Sheikh Rahman said, “I feel very happy and honoured here. Not only me, but all of us.”
“We all represent Bangladesh in the United States. We have to go further,” he opined.
Bangladesh's friend Congresswoman Grace Meng in the US Congress greeted the heroes through a video message while Senator Charles Schumer wished Bangladesh Pratidin and the success of the gala programme in a written message.
Advisor to former US President Barack Obama, Neena Ahmed, New Hampshire state representative Aboul Khan, New Jersey councilman Dr Nuran Nabi, New York City councilwoman Shahana Hanif, Hudson city board of supervisors Abdus Miah, councilwoman Tahsina Ahmed of Heldon City, New York State Committeewoman Jamilla Uddin, Judicial Delegate Nusrat Alam, among others, also spoke.
New York City councilwoman Shahana Hanif thanked the organisers for according the event saying "This initiative will bring together Bangladeshi public representatives across the US."
In his welcome speech, Naem Nizam, editor of Bangladesh Pratidin said, “We are deeply grateful to Bangladeshis who have been elected as representatives in the United States."
Congratulating the 'Bengal Heroes' he said, “Everyone walks. Some lead the way. You have shown the way to Bangladesh in America. You have set an example for our next generation. Thanks everyone on behalf of the family of Bangladesh Pratidin."
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan/Golam Rosul
