During the current T20 World Cup tournament, the Bangladeshi cricket team had received warm support from the Bangladeshi diaspora fans in the US. For example, during the match between the West Indies and Bangladesh 60% of the fans seemed to be of Bangladeshi origin and they looked more excited and attached to their team.
A recent study citing the 2020 US census shows that there are approximately 261,885 Bangladeshi people (0.08% of all respondents) in the US. The Bangladeshi diaspora is a growing community in the US and embodies resilience, cultural richness, and a vibrant spirit.
Bangladeshi community in US politics
Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States has, over the time, come into the political limelight and has gained significant ground. In both political and civil arenas, the Bangladeshi Americans are giving their best by practicing grassroots activism, running for representation, voting, and policy campaigning.
Bangladeshi involvement in grassroots activism is exemplified by DRUM (Desis Rising Up and Moving), a multigenerational organization in New York City that mobilizes low-wage South Asian and Indo-Caribbean immigrants, including Bangladeshis, for social and policy change. Founded in 2000, DRUM's efforts include daily outreach, leadership development through workshops and training, and running policy campaigns on immigration, civil rights, education, and labour rights. The organization builds alliances with diverse communities to strengthen social justice movements and create participatory spaces for marginalized groups to influence public policy.
Bangladeshi Americans are increasingly representing their community in US politics. In 2022, for example, five Bangladeshi-Americans had won in the Assembly District in Democratic primary election in the state of New York, marking a significant milestone in political representation for the Bangladeshi community. Their wins reflect the community's increasing political engagement and influence, determination to integrate into American politics, and to influence policy decisions that affect their lives.
Contributions to American business sector
The Bangladeshi diaspora has notably contributed to the US business sector, with entrepreneurs like Mahfuz Ahmed leading the charge. Ahmed's journey, highlighted by The Washington Post, showcases his rise from a high school student in Dhaka to the founder of DISYS, a technology services company in Virginia that nets $18 million in profit annually and employs 4,000 people.
Additionally, Bangladeshis have established a robust presence in various sectors, with seven individuals making it to Forbes' influential lists for their entrepreneurial achievements. Organizations such as the American Bangladeshi Business Alliance foster business growth and community support, further solidifying their impact. These achievements underscore the significant contributions of Bangladeshi Americans to the US economy through innovation and business acumen.
Contributions to academia
Academics like SM Raquibul Hasan, who is an assistant professor at Mercer University, have excelled in their respective domains, conducting groundbreaking research and securing substantial grants. Bangladeshi scientist Zahid Hasan has become a visiting professor at MIT, and a team led by Hasan achieved a breakthrough in quantum physics. From engineering to social sciences, Bangladeshi scholars have brought valuable perspectives and innovations to US universities. Their work not only advances academic knowledge but also bridges cultural gaps, enriching the educational sector with diverse insights and experiences. The journey of these scholars, often starting from humble beginnings in Bangladesh, underscores the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of education.
The Bangladeshi community in the United States of America can greatly contribute to enhancing bilateral relations between America and Bangladesh
Contributions to the American culture
In cities like New York, Bangladeshi-populated areas such as those in Jackson Heights and Hillside are teeming with grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses that reflect Bangladeshi heritage. Festivals like Eid are celebrated with fervour, complete with traditional music, food, and attire, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This cultural vibrancy extends beyond New York, with Bangladeshi Americans establishing similar communities in cities like Detroit and Buffalo. These areas not only maintain cultural traditions but also contribute to the broader American society by revitalizing neighbourhoods and promoting multicultural understanding.
Strengthening Bangladesh-US relations
The Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States plays a pivotal role in enhancing Bangladesh-US relations through diaspora politics. For instance, despite the US government's pro-Pakistan stance during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States played a crucial role in campaigning for Bangladesh's independence.
Alongside sympathetic Americans, they raised awareness about the atrocities in East Pakistan, lobbied Congress to end US military and economic aid to Pakistan, and organized grassroots activism to garner support for the Bangladeshi cause. Their efforts significantly influenced public opinion and policy, demonstrating the power of diaspora politics in shaping international relations.
The Bangladeshi community in the United States of America can greatly contribute to enhancing bilateral relations between America and Bangladesh whereby they can act as a bridge between two nations in economic, cultural, and political aspects. From an economic perspective, it is easier for members of the diaspora to earmask business deals, thus, they can foster trade and investment.
The knowledge they acquire of both markets facilitates their overall operation in functional handling of the business environments. Community wise, the diaspora encourages the integration and sharing of customs through occasionally hosted culturally related festivals, seminars, and other social activities encompassing Bangladeshi culture within the region of America.
By fostering goodwill and understanding between countries, cultural diplomacy plays a positive role toward improving the social fabric of the United States by making it a more diverse nation. For political reasons, it helps Bangladeshi Americans be active participants in US society, participating in voting, advocating for a cause, or representing the Bangladeshi community -- hence making their interest to be part of policy formulation.
Further, the diaspora can participate in aid and development schemes for humanitarian support and solving socio-economic issues of Bangladesh. In addition to contributing to the enhancement of the American society, the promotion of favourable policies for migrants and the support of their integration processes ties the Bangladeshi diaspora to the United States diplomacy and economy.
Md Jahid-Al-Mamun is currently serving as a Lecturer at the Department of Law, University of Dhaka.