Jackson Heights’ 73rd Street now officially called as Bangladesh Street

New York: The 73rd Street in Jackson Heights which is predominated by Bengalis has now been officially called as ‘Bangladesh Street’.

The street houses a number of Bangladeshi businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and newspaper offices, and this is the reason that the NYC authorities have declared the street as ‘Bangladesh Street’

Once Known to be East Pakistan,  Bangladesh came into being in 1971 after the episode of Dhaka Fall. Within 50 years of its independence, Bangladesh has phenomenally improved it’s socio-economic conditions.  Today, this relatively small country is one of the fastest growing nations in South Asia.

According to India Times, the street name was unveiled in a special ceremony onsite on Sunday, March 26, 2023, by NYC Council Member Shekar Krishnan District 25 of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, who was instrumental in putting forth the proposal to the City Council Administration, in the presence of other local political leaders, members of Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) and community leaders. Also present at the event were elected officials Congresswoman Grace Meng.

Unveiling the street name, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who is also the New York City Parks and Recreation Committee Chairperson, tweeted, “Bangladesh Street” is more than a name. It’s the recognition of a community whose power is growing stronger each day.

Today, on Bangladesh’s 52nd Independence Day, a street in Jackson Heights is forever changed. 73rd St will celebrate Bangladesh tomorrow & every day after.”

Krishnan went on to add, “From our taxi workers to small businesses, to media and politics, our Bangladeshi community is a force. I stand on the shoulders of many uncles, aunties, siblings without whom I wouldn’t be here. With this street naming, the voices of our Bangladeshi community echo across NYC.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng, who participated in the event, tweeted, “Celebrating Bangladesh Independence Day in #JacksonHeights with a street co-naming in honor of our vibrant #Bangladeshi American community in Queens. 73rd Street and 37th Avenue will now also be known as Bangladesh Street. I thank @CMShekarK for working to make this happen.”

Speaking on the occasion, JBBA General Secretary Fahad Solaiman said, ‘A street in New York City is named after Bangladesh, (and) it makes me proud.” Shaheen said that the 73rd street between 37th Avenue and Broadway renamed as Bangladesh Street was definitely a matter of pride for all Bangladeshis. “Bangladeshis are recognized as an important community, and that is not just a matter of pride, but is also a heartening fact,” he said.

The month long Bangladesh Heritage month has brought general awareness about the contributions of the Bangladeshi community in areas of retail, hospitality and transportation businesses, and their contribution to the local economy.