[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 110 (Friday, July 1, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTRODUCTION OF H. RES. 1086

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the 
importance of commemorating the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Bangladesh 
relations. In my district, my hometown of Buffalo, New York hosts a 
significant Bangladeshi population that contributes to Buffalo's rich 
cultural diversity and helps the city live up to its moniker as the 
City of Good Neighbors. I am proud to be representing the more than 
10,000 Bangladeshi constituents in my district, and recently introduced 
H. Res. 1086 honoring the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Bangladesh 
relations.
  The United States recognized the independence of Bangladesh on April 
4, 1972. Since then, our two nations have cooperated on a myriad of 
issues, including the protection of Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide, 
the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and the continuation of a 
peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
  The past thirty-five years have witnessed an influx of Bangladeshi 
immigrants to the United States, making the group the fastest growing 
Asian-American population in the country. In Buffalo, these individuals 
have established vibrant communities all over the city, with a specific 
concentration on the East Side including the neighborhoods of Broadway-
Fillmore, Genesee Moselle, Fillmore-Leroy, and Kensington. Members of 
the Bangladeshi community have started businesses, are renovating 
vacant homes, and are enriching the fabric of our region through their 
cultural contributions.
  The Bangladeshi population has made it a priority to foster a sense 
of community and cultural identity among its members. It has founded 
organizations such as the Bangladesh Society of Buffalo and the Buffalo 
Bangla Newspaper with this particular goal in mind. Furthermore, the 
ranks of Bengali-speaking students enrolled in Buffalo Public Schools 
have continued to swell, and I am grateful to see to this cross-
cultural cooperation in our city.
  I look forward to welcoming further Bangladeshi immigrants to the 
United States and continue to admire the unique perspectives and 
experiences they bring to our nation. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to 
express my deep appreciation for the long-standing relationship and 
cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh.

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