Bengali Americans (Bengali:মার্কিন বাঙালি) are American nationals or residents who identify asBengalis based on their ethnicity, language, and family history. They trace their roots to the historic region of Bengal, which is now split betweenBangladesh andWest Bengal,India. Bengali Americans also belong to the broader group of modern-dayBangladeshi Americans andIndian Americans.[1] Demographic estimates suggest that around 453,191 people in the United States speak Bengali as their main language or alongside other languages. This makes up about 0.14% of the population.[2] Additionally, there are more than 600,000 non-residentBangladeshi Bengalis living in the United States.[3] New York City has long been the main center for Bengali settlement. By 2025, the city had over 250,000 Bangladeshi-born immigrants living in New York State.[3] The number increases further when Bengalis originating from India are included. Since the 1970s, New York has become a key destination for Bengali immigrants.[3]
মার্কিন বাঙালি Markin Bangali | |
|---|---|
 The language spread of Bengali in the United States according to U. S. Census 2000 | |
| Total population | |
| 453,191 (0.14%, est.) speak Bengali alone or in combination& more than 600,000 non-resident[4][5] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| New York City,Boston,Philadelphia,Cleveland,Detroit,Chicago,Milwaukee,Washington, D.C.,Atlanta,Miami,Minneapolis,Houston,Dallas,Seattle,Denver,Los Angeles,[6]San Francisco | |
| Languages | |
| Bengali, English | |
| Religion | |
| Majority Islam ~80% Minority Hinduism: ~18% Buddhism: ~1% Christianity: ~1% | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Bangladeshi Americans,Indian Americans | |
Available historical records indicate that immigration fromBengal to the United States began in the late nineteenth century. Over subsequent decades, individuals of Bengali origin arrived in diverse occupational and social contexts, including as textile traders, maritime workers who remained ashore after their vessels arrived, and, in later periods, as professionals with formal education.
Documented evidence indicates that Bengalis arrived in the United States in the 1880s.[11] This period is commonly described in historical accounts as an early phase of Bengali immigration. During this time, migration occurred primarily through two occupational groups: silk traders, commonly known aschikondars, and maritime workers, known aslascars.[12]
In the mid-1880s, a group ofBengali Muslim traders from theHooghly district ofundivided Bengal (now inWest Bengal) arrived at the ports ofNew York andBaltimore. Contemporary accounts describe them as dealing in silk textiles, including embroideredshawls,tablecloths, andcushion covers. The embroidery style associated with these goods was known in Bengal aschikan (orchikkan), and vendors engaged in this trade were referred to in American sources aschikondars.[13][11][12]
Contemporary sources indicate that, during this period, certain categories of imported goods described at the time as “Oriental” attracted consumer interest in the United States. Within this commercial context, Bengali chikondars established trading activities along theNew Jersey shoreline, including resort towns such asAsbury Park,Atlantic City, andLong Branch. Seasonal patterns of commerce are documented, with trading activity concentrated in northeastern resort areas during the summer months and shifting southward during the winter. Over time,New Orleans emerged as a central hub in this trade network. Contemporary newspaper reports document the presence of these traders in areas such as theFrench Market andCanal Street.[12][13][14]
By 1910, contemporary records indicate that at least 50 Bengali merchants had established residences in theTremé neighborhood ofNew Orleans. Silk textiles imported through these trading networks were used in local cultural events, includingMardi Gras celebrations. During the 1930s, this commercial activity diminished amid broader economic disruptions associated with theGreat Depression and changes in textile production methods. These developments marked the decline of this early phase of Bengali commercial activity in the United States.[12][13][14]
From the second decade of the twentieth century, a distinct pattern of Bengali migration became evident. Bengali sailors employed in the boiler rooms of British steamships, a labor category often associated with difficult working conditions, sometimes remained in the United States after their vessels arrived at American ports. These seamen, commonly referred to aslascars (orkhalasis), predominantly originated fromeastern Bengal, including the regions ofSylhet,Noakhali, andChittagong.[11][12][15]
In 1900, theNew York Post reported the presence of Indian sailors in theport areas of New York City. The report described instances of sailors remaining ashore after their vessels arrived, a practice referred to at the time as “ship jumping.” Similar patterns of maritime desertion were recorded in other major port cities, includingNew York,Boston, andSan Francisco, where affected individuals relied on informal social networks while living outside formal immigration channels.[12][11]
During the 1920s and 1930s, patterns of settlement associated with these former sailors expanded beyond coastal port cities. Over time, some individuals relocated to the United States' inland industrial regions. Documented settlements emerged in states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, while others obtained employment as manual laborers in Detroit’s automobile manufacturing sector. This occupational shift from maritime service to industrial labor helped shape an early Bengali working-class presence in the United States.[16][12]
Racially discriminatory legislation in the early twentieth century, including theImmigration Act of 1917 and theImmigration Act of 1924, imposed significant legal restrictions on immigration and naturalization forAsian populations in the United States. Within this legal context, Bengali immigrants were frequently excluded from white residential areas and consequently resided in neighborhoods with other marginalized communities. Historical accounts document Bengali settlement in predominantlyAfrican American andPuerto Rican areas, reflecting broader patterns of residential segregation during this period.[17][18][19][20]
In neighborhoods such asHarlem and theLower East Side, historical studies document instances in which Bengali men formed family ties through marriage to African American andLatina women. Historian Vivek Bald has used the termBengali Harlem to describe thesocial milieu that developed from these interethnic households. Scholarly accounts note that these families often encompassed multiple religious and cultural traditions, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of their members.[17][21]
By the 1940s, Bengali residents were present in neighborhoods such asHarlem. Contemporary accounts refer to individuals, including Habib Ullah, an immigrant fromeastern Bengal who is reported to have arrived in the United States viaBoston in the 1920s and later settled inNew York City. During the 1940s, he operated a restaurant called Bengal Garden inManhattan’s Theater District. Historical sources note that the establishment functioned as a meeting place for members of the Bengali community during this period.[22][17]
The documentary filmIn Search of Bengali Harlem (2022) examines the history of Bengali Harlem. The film runs 84 minutes and incorporates both color and black-and-white footage. It was directed by Vivek Bald and Alaudin Ullah, and produced by Susannah Ludwig, Bald, and Ullah.[23]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 In Search of Bengali Harlem (2022) Documentary film by Vivek Bald and Alaudin Ullah |
ThePartition of British India altered the political boundaries ofBengal and influenced subsequent patterns of migration. In the United States, theLuce–Celler Act of 1946 authorized a limited annual quota of 100 immigrants fromIndia. Although numerically small, this legislation represented a partial modification of earlier restrictions on Asian immigration.[24][25]
The period between 1948 and 1960 is commonly characterized in historical accounts as a transitional phase in Bengali migration to the United States. During these years, migration increasingly included individuals with advanced educational backgrounds, particularly students who entered the country on government-sponsored scholarships, including programs administered by the Pakistani state. Some of these students remained in the United States after completing their studies, contributing to longer-term settlement patterns.[26]
A significant shift in immigration patterns followed the passage of theImmigration and Nationality Act of 1965, commonly known as theHart–Celler Act. This legislation ended the national-origins quota system and introduced immigration criteria that emphasized occupational skills, educational qualifications, and family reunification. In the years that followed, immigrants from Bengal, then divided betweenEast Pakistan andWest Bengal, were increasingly represented among professional and academic entrants to the United States, including individuals in fields such as medicine, engineering, and higher education.[25]
Historical scholarship has described this phase as one characterized by the migration of individuals with advanced education and professional training. During this period, Bengali immigrants were admitted to the United States primarily through educational qualifications and occupational criteria, contributing to the growing presence of professionally trained individuals of Bengali origin in the country.
TheLiberation War of Bangladesh influenced subsequent patterns of Bengali migration to the United States. In the period following the conflict, conditions associated with displacement, political uncertainty, and economic disruption contributed to the migration of Bangladeshi refugees and professionals to the United States.[27]
During the 1970s, approximately 4,000 Bangladeshi nationals were officially recorded as immigrants in the United States. Immigration levels increased further in the early 1980s, and by the beginning of that decade, the Bangladeshi population inNew York City was estimated at around 15,000. Migration during this period included not only individuals admitted through professional and employment-based channels but also families entering under family reunification provisions, contributing to changes in the social composition of the Bangladeshi immigrant population.[28]
During this period, some Bangladeshi immigrants relocated from New York City to cities such asDetroit andAtlantic City, where employment was available in sectors including automobile manufacturing, gaming, and hospitality. At the same time, Bangladeshi settlement expanded inLos Angeles. This presence acquired an organizational dimension with the establishment of the Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles in 1971, which served as an early example of formal community organization among Bangladeshis on theWest Coast of the United States.[29][30]
Taken together, developments during this third phase were associated with changes in the scale, composition, and geographic distribution of the Bangladeshi immigrant population in the United States. Migration during this period increasingly included family-based settlement alongside earlier professional migration, contributing to a more diverse and geographically dispersed community in subsequent decades.[30]
The passage of the Immigration Act of 1990 introduced additional immigration mechanisms that affected subsequent patterns of Bengali migration to the United States. Among these was theDiversity Visa (DV) Lottery, also known as theGreen Card Lottery, which provided a pathway to permanent residence that was not tied to employment sponsorship or advanced educational qualifications. According to officially reported admissions data and scholarly estimates, approximately 42,462 Bangladeshi nationals entered the United States through the DV Lottery between 1995 and 2012. Although smaller in scale than later family-based migration, this group was characterized by a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds and settlement locations.[31][32]
After 2012, Bangladesh became ineligible for participation in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery because more than 50,000 of its nationals had obtained permanent resident status in the United States within the preceding five-year period, exceeding the statutory eligibility threshold for the program. By that time, family-based immigration had become an established pathway for Bangladeshi migration. Empirical research and analyses of immigration data indicate that Bangladeshi immigrants have sponsored additional relatives through family reunification provisions, with some studies estimating an average of approximately 4.44 relatives per principal immigrant.[32]
Following the end of Bangladesh’s eligibility for the Diversity Visa program, migration to the United States continued primarily through family-based immigration channels. Developments during this fourth phase were associated with further increases in the size and diversification of the Bangladeshi immigrant population, with settlement patterns increasingly shaped by family reunification rather than individual professional or refugee admissions. Contemporary characteristics of theBangladeshi American population, including patterns of urban settlement, political participation, and community organization, are linked in part to immigration pathways established during this period.[33][32]
According to estimates from thePew Research Center (2023) and other sources (2025), more than 350,000 people ofBangladeshi origin currently reside in the United States.[34][35][36][37][38] When Bengali-speaking populations from India (primarilyWest Bengal andTripura) are included, the total number of Bengali speakers exceeds 400,000. It estimates, in 2026, the current size of the Bangladeshi diasporic community in the United States to exceed 600,000.[39][38] Over the past two decades, this population has experienced a remarkably rapid growth rate. While the number stood at only around 40,000 in 2000, it increased by approximately 569 percent by 2023.
More than 10,000 Bangladeshis immigrate to the United States each year, primarily from the regions ofDhaka,Chittagong,Sylhet, andNoakhali. New York—particularly its five boroughs—hosts over 250,000 Bangladeshi-born immigrants and has served as a major hub for Bangladeshi settlement since the 1970s.[39]
Bengali Americans tend to concentrate primarily in major metropolitan areas across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions. New York City can be regarded as the capital of Bengali Americans, as nearly 40 percent of the total Bengali population in the United States resides there.[40] Within the city, the highest concentration is found in the borough ofQueens, which is home to approximately 60 percent of New York’s Bengali population.[41] In particular,Jackson Heights andJamaica are widely recognized as the principal commercial and cultural hubs of the Bengali community.
The city ofHamtramck in the state ofMichigan represents a unique case, where approximately 25 percent (according to 2019 data) of the total population is Bengali.[42] The city is also notable for being the first in the United States to form a Muslim-majority city council, in which Bengalis played a central role.
Significant Bengali communities are also present in Paterson and Atlantic City in New Jersey. In addition,Los Angeles,California, is home to a formally recognized neighborhood known asLittle Bangladesh. Growing concentrations of upper-middle-class and middle-class Bengali families can also be observed inDallas andHouston,Texas, as well as in various suburban areas ofVirginia andMaryland.[41]
| State | Estimated Population (2026) | Major Cities | Notable Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Around 170,000[43] | New York City,Buffalo | Jackson Heights,Jamaica |
| California | Around 40,000[44] | Los Angeles,San Francisco | Little Bangladesh |
| Michigan | Around 35,000[45] | Hamtramck,Detroit,Warren | Hamtramck (approximately 25% Bengali) |
| Texas | Around 35,000[46] | Dallas,Houston, Irving | Irving |
| New Jersey | Around 30,000[47] | Paterson,Jersey City | Paterson 2nd Ward (More than 15,000 Bengali residents)[48] |
| Virginia | Around 17,000[49] | ||
| Pennsylvania | Around 16,000[50] | ||
| Florida | Around 15,000[51] | ||
| Georgia (U.S. state) | Around 15,000[52] | ||
| Maryland | Around 15,000[53] | ||
| Illinois | Around 10,000[54] | ||
| Connecticut | Around 10,000[55] | ||
| Massachusetts | Around 10,000[56] | ||
| North Carolina | Around 7,000[57] | ||
| Washington | Around 6,000[58] | ||
| Ohio | Around 7,000[59] | ||
| Tennessee | Around 5,000[60] | ||
| Indiana | Around 3,000[61] |
New York City contains the largest concentration of Bengali Americans in the United States. As of 2023, demographic estimates place the number of Bengali residents in the city at over 165,000.[62] The state of New York, and New York City in particular, has been a major destination for Bangladeshi immigration since the 1970s, with more than 250,000 Bangladesh-born residents currently living in the state.[63] A substantial proportion of the Bengali American population in the United States resides in New York City. Bengali communities are present across all five boroughs, with higher concentrations documented inQueens andBrooklyn. Census-based analyses further indicate that theBangladeshi-origin population in the city has increased rapidly in recent decades compared with otherAsian-origin groups.[64]
New York State recognizes September 25 as Bangladeshi Immigrant Day, commemoratingSheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic first UN speech in Bengali in 1974, a day observed since 2019 to celebrate the vibrant Bangladeshi community, especially in Queens, and their cultural contributions, as highlighted by NY Senate resolutions recognizing its significance for cultural diversity.[63][65][66]
In District 3 ofJackson Heights,Bengali language currently ranks as the third most commonly spoken household language, followingSpanish andChinese, with approximately 5,358 households primarily using Bangla at home.[67] Similarly, in District 12 ofJamaica, there are around 19,967 Bangla-speaking households, underscoring the deep-rooted presence of the language and community in the area.[68] Approximately 74 percent of the Bengali population is foreign-born, primarily originating from Bangladesh or West Bengal, and about 20 percent arrived in the United States after 2010.[64] As a result of this rapid wave of immigration, language barriers remain a significant challenge, particularly among older members of the community.
New York City contains the largest concentration ofBangladeshi Americans in the United States, with a notable presence in theJackson Heights area ofQueens. Bangladeshi settlement has expanded over several decades, with established communities in neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights,Elmhurst, andWoodside.
Cultural and community organizations have played a role in sustaining collective activities among Bangladeshi residents. One such organization isMuktadhara, a New York-based cultural group that has organized public events related to Bengali literature and culture for more than two decades, including theInternational Mother Language Day and Bengali Book Fairs.[69] Bangladeshi-owned businesses, including grocery stores, clothing shops, and restaurants, are present in several neighborhoods.[63] Bangladeshi communities are distributed across allfive boroughs of New York City.[63]
.jpg)
Jackson Heights is not merely a residential neighborhood; it is the cultural and commercial heart of Bengali Americans in the United States. Centered around 73rd Street andRoosevelt Avenue, the area often gives visitors the impression of walking through a bustling district of Dhaka. Established in 1997, the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) plays a leading role in the neighborhood’s economic life. The association currently operates with a strong executive committee of 35 officials dedicated to safeguarding the interests of local businesses.[70]
Jackson Heights has also evolved into a fertile ground for political activism. Reactions to major developments in both local and Bangladeshi politics are regularly witnessed at Diversity Plaza. Popular establishments such as Sagar Restaurant, Deshi Swad, and Kabir’s Bakery are major attractions for Bengalis across New York.[71] Especially on weekends, families travel from distant neighborhoods to shop for groceries and enjoy authenticBengali cuisine in this vibrant enclave.
TheJamaica neighborhood ofQueens—particularly around 169th Street andHillside Avenue—has emerged as the largest Bengali settlement in New York City.[72] The area known asLittle Bangladesh is especially renowned for its rich and diverse food culture. Sagar Restaurant is widely celebrated for its biryani and roast chicken, dishes that are also frequently sought after for wedding catering.[73][72] Along Hillside Avenue, Dhanshiri Restaurant offers a distinctive culinary experience: halal Bengali-style Chinese cuisine.[72] Modeled on the iconic Chinese restaurants of Dhaka, its flavors evoke nostalgia and childhood memories for many in the diaspora. In addition, long-established sweet shops such as Ghoroya, Premium Sweets, and Dhaka Sweets have further enriched the area’s culinary heritage.[72] Each year on February 21—International Mother Language Day—the streets of Jamaica fill with Bengalis dressed in red and white, gathering in large numbers to commemorate the Language Movement and reaffirm their collective linguistic and cultural identity.[73]
Located in theBronx borough,Parkchester—once a predominantly white neighborhood—has gradually transformed into a thriving Bengali enclave popularly known asBangla Bazar.[74] Centered around Starling Avenue, the area has undergone a remarkable economic shift: where only a handful of shops existed some 17 years ago, there are now hundreds of Bangladeshi-owned businesses. One of the neighborhood’s most recognizable landmarks is Khalil Biryani House, owned by Khalil Rahman. Although Rahman once aspired to become an aeronautical engineer, he ultimately built a successful career as a restaurateur, symbolizing the entrepreneurial trajectory of many Bengali immigrants in the area.[74] The Parkchester Jame Masjid stands as a powerful symbol of religious cohesion in the community. Since its construction on Virginia Avenue in 1989, the mosque has played a pivotal role in accelerating Bengali settlement in Parkchester. The neighborhood has also produced prominent community leaders, including Mujibur Majumder, who made history by becoming New York City’s first Bangladeshi Community Board Chair, marking a significant milestone in civic representation.[74]
InBrooklyn, the neighborhood ofKensington, particularly along and aroundMcDonald Avenue, has developed into a large and cohesive Bengali community.[75] In October 2022, a street corner in theKensington neighborhood ofBrooklyn was officially designated asLittle Bangladesh. The designation applies to the area around the intersection ofChurch Avenue andMcDonald Avenue. The site has since functioned as a local point of reference for recently arrived Bangladeshi immigrants, where community networks and services related to housing and employment are accessible.[76] Popular eateries such as Ghoroya enjoy a level of popularity comparable to their counterparts in Jamaica, drawing Bengali families from across the city.[72] By contrast, Astoria, once predominantly Greek, has seen a notable growth in Bangladeshi-owned grocery stores and taxi garages in recent years, reflecting a shift in the neighborhood’s demographic and economic landscape.[77] Significant Bengali populations are also found inOzone Park and theCity Line area, where community members contribute substantially to keeping New York’s economic engine running through small businesses, transportation services, and essential labor.[78]
Within New York City’s extraordinary linguistic diversity, Bangla is no longer merely a language spoken at home; it has attained formal legal recognition as an official medium in public administration. In a city where more than 200 languages are spoken, Bangla has been made mandatory at multiple institutional levels.[79]
The inclusion of Bangla on New York City’s ballot papers during the 2024 United States presidential election marked a historic milestone.[79] This was not a routine administrative decision; rather, it was the result of the rigorous enforcement of theVoting Rights Act of 1965. According to Michael J. Ryan, Executive Director of theNew York City Board of Elections, a legal settlement created an obligation to include an Asian language on ballots based on specific population density thresholds. After extensive deliberations, Bangla was selected for this recognition. This outcome was made possible by the substantial presence, sustained advocacy, and civic engagement of the Bangladeshi community in New York City, without whose demographic strength and organized efforts the inclusion of Bangla would not have been feasible.
Although the use of Bangla at select polling sites in Queens began as early as 2013,[80] it has since gained citywide significance. Alongside English, the four languages included on New York City ballots are Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Bangla.[81]
.png)
.png)
Various New York City government agencies are now required to provide information in Bangla. The New York City Civic Engagement Commission offers interpreter services for Bangla-speaking voters during elections.[82][83] Through the efforts of City Council MemberShahana Hanif and other community leaders, the availability of Bangla translations for health and education–related information has increased substantially across relevant municipal departments.[84] The official websites ofNew York state &New York City are also available in Bangla.[85][86] Moreover, emergency alerts issued throughNotify NYC are now accessible in Bangla, ensuring broader and more inclusive public communication.[87]
TheMetropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York City has introduced extensive linguistic accommodations to facilitate mobility for the Bengali-speaking population. Bangla has now been incorporated as one of the MTA’s key languages within its official language access policies. In particular, underTitle VI—which mandates the elimination of language-based discrimination—important MTA guidelines and notices have been translated into Bangla.[88]
To better serve visually impaired passengers and riders with limited English proficiency, the MTA has introduced an application calledNaviLens. Using QR-style codes, the app can audibly translate station signage and train schedules into nearly 40 languages, including Bangla.[89][90] In addition, executive summaries of final environmental assessments for major MTA initiatives—such as theCentral Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP)—have been published in Bangla, reflecting the language’s growing institutional recognition within the city’s transportation infrastructure.[91]
A designated book section known asBangla Corner was inaugurated at theQueens Public Library in New York City. The initiative was launched with a collection of 309 Bengali-language books donated by the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York.[92][93]
.jpg)
In 2021,Shahana Hanif was elected to theNew York City Council, making history as the first Muslim woman and the first person of South Asian descent to hold a seat on the Council.[94] Representing Brooklyn’s 39th District, Hanif has emerged as a leading voice on immigrant rights, housing for the unhoused, and feminist advocacy.[95] Her victory has significantly heightened political aspirations among younger generations of Bengali New Yorkers.[96][97]
Several nonprofit organizations are actively working to strengthen the community’s political influence and protect civil rights:
The practice of the Bangla language and the academic achievements of Bengali students are firmly embedded within New York’s education system.
The significance of Bangla is now formally recognized at several of New York's leading universities:
Within New York City’s public school system, a wide range of language support services is provided for Bangla-speaking students. This support extends even to the translation of Special Education–related documents into Bangla. In addition, numerous community-based weekend schools operate across the city, where children are taught the Bangla language alongside Bengali history and culture, reinforcing linguistic continuity across generations.[102][105]
Religious institutions and cultural celebrations form a central pillar of Bengali social life in New York. In every neighborhood with a significant Bengali population, the presence of mosques, temples, and churches is clearly visible.
The majority of Bengalis in New York are Muslim, and numerous Bengali-founded mosques are located in areas such as Jamaica in Queens and Kensington in Brooklyn.
New York also serves as an important hub for Bengali Hindus and Christians:
Bengali cultural life in New York is notably vibrant and diverse:
Bengali contributions to New York’s local economy are most visibly expressed through small businesses. The commercial corridors of Jackson Heights and Jamaica stand as living testaments to the community’s entrepreneurial success and economic resilience.
In the streets of Jackson Heights, fuchka trucks have evolved into a cultural emblem.[118] These mobile food businesses do more than sell street snacks; they serve as accessible sources of employment for newly arrived immigrants. By recreating the familiar atmosphere of Old Dhaka or Kolkata’s street life, these ventures bring a sense of cultural continuity to New York. Sociologists note that such cultural familiarity can have a positive effect on immigrants’ mental well-being, easing the stresses of displacement and adaptation.[119][118]
A significant number of Bengali entrepreneurs rely on community-based financing rather than conventional bank loans. By leveragingsocial capital, they form informal peer lending circles—locally known astapot. In these arrangements, trusted members contribute a fixed sum each month, and through a lottery system, one member receives a lump-sum loan.[120] Personal trust and social reputation often carry greater weight than formal credit scores in this system.[120][121] Organizations such as Chhaya CDC have supported and facilitated these lending circles, enabling many Bengali families to transition from renting to homeownership and strengthening long-term economic stability within the community.[121]
The information needs of New York’s Bengali community are met by a robust and well-established Bangla-language media landscape.
Published since 1991, Weekly Bangali is widely regarded as the most popular Bangla newspaper in New York. In addition to its print edition, it has successfully expanded into digital publishing through an e-paper format.[122] Other long-running newspapers, such as Weekly Thikana and Weekly Ajker Probash, have also served the community for decades.[123][124]
Bangla television channels broadcasting from New York play a significant role in highlighting the experiences and concerns of the diaspora. Notable among them are ATN Bangla USA, ABTV, TBN24 and Time Television, both of which focus extensively on issues affecting expatriate Bengalis.[125][126][127]
Radio Treetal Bangla and Radio Ruposhi Bangla operates from Brooklyn & Jamaica, Queens, and is recognized as the first 24/7 live Bangla radio station in the United States, providing continuous news, cultural programming, and community-focused content for Bengali listeners nationwide.[128][129]
The city ofHamtramck, in the state ofMichigan, has drawn nationwide attention in the United States. It is widely recognized as the first—and so far the only—American city where the mayor and all members of the city council are Muslim, with a substantial portion of them being of Bangladeshi origin.[130]
Today, Bengalis constitute a significant share ofHamtramck’s population; estimates commonly place this proportion anywhere between roughly one-quarter and over half of the city’s residents. Historically a Polish-American city, Hamtramck began to undergo a profound demographic transformation from the 1990s onward with the steady arrival of Bangladeshi immigrants. In 2022, Amer Ghalib was elected as the city’s first Muslim mayor. Although ofYemeni descent, he has worked alongside Bangladeshi city council members to usher in a new chapter in Hamtramck’s municipal governance.[131] Institutions such as the Al-Islah Islamic Center and popular establishments like Bengali Sylhet Cafe reflect the city’s evolving cultural identity. Hamtramck also hosts events such asDeshi Festive Nights, community fairs where Bangladeshi music—including metal bands—finds an enthusiastic audience, highlighting the diversity of cultural expression within the diaspora.[132]
Beyond Hamtramck, notable Bengali populations are also found inWarren andDetroit, where many Bengalis are employed in the automotive and healthcare sectors, contributing significantly to Michigan’s industrial and service-based economy.
InCalifornia, Bengali settlement is broadly divided into two distinct spheres: a cultural enclave inLos Angeles and a highly skilled professional community inSilicon Valley.
The area around Third Street and Alexandria Avenue in Los Angeles was officially designated asLittle Bangladesh (Los Angeles) in 2010.[133] Located adjacent to Koreatown, this recognition was the culmination of a long struggle for visibility and cultural affirmation. One of the earliest pioneers of the neighborhood was Aladin Sweets, established in the early 1990s at a time when virtually no Bengali-owned businesses existed in the area.[134] Today, restaurants such as Biryani Kabab House and Kasturi Restaurant serve as major culinary hubs for the community. The Bengali population in this part of Los Angeles is notably influenced by migrants from the Chattogram region of Bangladesh, shaping the area’s social and cultural character.[135]
InNorthern California’sSilicon Valley, the Bengali community is predominantly composed of engineers and technology professionals. The headquarters of the American Association of Bangladeshi Engineers and Architects (AABEA) is currently based in this region, reflecting the strong professional footprint of Bengalis in the technology sector.[136] Although Bengalis in Silicon Valley are geographically dispersed across residential neighborhoods, they remain closely connected through religious institutions and cultural associations. Among the most popular gathering places for the Bay Area’s Bengali community is Bongo’s, which has become a well-known social and cultural meeting point for Bengalis living in and aroundSan Jose.[137]
New Jersey andTexas are increasingly being recognized as new hubs for Bengali settlement in the United States. Rising living costs and limited housing availability in New York have encouraged many Bengali families to relocate to these states in search of affordability and space.
The city ofPaterson has emerged as one of the most prominent Bengali centers outside New York. Notably, Paterson is home to a permanent Shaheed Minar, symbolizing the preservation of Bengali linguistic and cultural heritage in the diaspora.[138] In Atlantic City, an estimated 10 percent of the population is of Bangladeshi origin, with many residents employed in the casino and tourism industries. In addition, affluent and professionally successful Bengali families are concentrated in areas such as Monroe Township and Princeton. The Ananda Mandir in Somerset—established in 1995—is regarded as one of the most historic Bengali Hindu temples in North America, serving as both a religious and cultural center for the community.[139]
In Texas, theDallas–Fort Worth metroplex—particularly Irving—has become a major Bengali hub. While the region is home to approximately 235,000 Indian Americans, the Bangladeshi Bengali population is expanding rapidly, driven by employment opportunities and a lower cost of living.[140] Meanwhile, Sugar Land near Houston has gained popularity among educated and economically established Bengalis. Community life in the Houston area is strongly supported by organizations such as the Bangladesh American Society of Greater Houston and the Tagore Society of Houston, both of which play active roles in cultural programming, social networking, and the preservation of Bengali identity in Texas.[141]
Chicago has been a site ofSouth Asian settlement in theAmerican Midwest, including populations of Bangladeshi origin.Devon Avenue is documented as a center of South Asian commercial and residential activity in the city. Portions of the avenue have been officially designated asSheikh Mujibur Rahman Way andZiaur Rahman Way, reflecting municipal recognition of the Bangladeshi community’s presence in Chicago.[142][143][144] In Chicago, an honorary street designation known asSwami Vivekananda Way commemoratesSwami Vivekananda and his 1893 address in the city. His appearance is historically associated with theParliament of the World's Religions, an event that contributed to his international prominence.[145][146]
Chicago is also home to a population ofRohingya refugees, with documented settlement in theWest Ridge area.[147] Community activities in this neighborhood include efforts related to the maintenance of linguistic, cultural, and social practices. The presence of Rohingya residents forms part of the broader landscape of South Asian and Bangladeshi-associated communities in the American Midwest.
| Region / State | City / Area | Notable Enclave or Institution | Community Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. Metro Area | Seven Corners, Virginia | Residential & commercial enclave | One of the most visible Bengali concentrations in Northern Virginia |
| Hyattsville, Maryland | Community hub | Strong presence of Bangladeshi families and small businesses | |
| Georgia | Atlanta | Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta (BAGA) | Hindu Cultural leadership, language programs, festivals |
| Florida | Orlando | Bengali Society of Florida | Active Hindu cultural and social organization |
| Miami | Informal Bengali networks | Growing population in hospitality and service sectors | |
| Massachusetts | Cambridge | University-centered community | High concentration of Bengali students and academics |
| Somerville | Student-dominant enclave | Closely linked to nearby universities | |
| New York (Upstate) | Buffalo | Broadway–Fillmore area | Emerging Bengali and South Asian settlement |
Bengali Americans represent a religiously diverse population. WhileBengali Muslims constitute the majority, the community also includes adherents ofHinduism,Buddhism, andChristianity, reflecting a range of religious affiliations within the population.
More than 80 percent of Bengali Americans identify asBengali Muslim. This proportion is comparatively high among Bangladeshi-origin immigrant populations inNorth America. In major areas of Bengali settlement, mosques serve as primary sites for religious practice and community gatherings. Institutions such as theJamaica Muslim Center and theAl-Islah Islamic Center provide spaces for worship as well as community-oriented activities, including assistance for recently arrived immigrants.[148]
Bengali Hindus constitute approximately 15 to 18 percent of the Bengali American population. A significant portion originates from West Bengal, along with a smaller number of minority Hindu families from Bangladesh. Their social and cultural life is largely organized around major religious festivals such asDurga Puja,Saraswati Puja, andLakshmi Puja. A strong Bengali Hindu presence can be observed in temples across New York and New Jersey, particularly during these festivals.
Approximately 1 percent of Bengali Americans identify as Buddhist, and another 1 percent as Christian.Bengali Buddhists are primarily members of the Barua community from the Chittagong region, who have established monasteries and temples in areas such asBrooklyn andVirginia.Bengali Christians are affiliated with various mainline denominations; however, they often maintain their linguistic and cultural traditions, particularly in the celebration of Christmas.
| Religion | Estimated Share | Major Festivals | Notable Religious Centers |
| Islam | More than 80% | Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha | Jamaica Muslim Center, mosques in Hamtramck |
| Hinduism | 15%–18% | Durga Puja, Kali Puja | Various Hindu temples and cultural associations |
| Buddhism | ~1% | Buddha Purnima | Sadhanananda International Buddhist Monastery, Brooklyn[149] |
| Christianity | ~1% | Christmas | Local churches and private gatherings |
Language (Bengali) serves as the most powerful marker of identity among Bengali Americans. More than 91 percent of Bangladeshi Bengali households in the United States use the Bengali language at home. This strong attachment to language and culture has motivated Bengali communities across the country to establish various institutional initiatives aimed at preserving their heritage.
Institutions such as Bangladeshi American Center of North America (BACONA) in New York and Path Bhavan in Michigan play an important role in transmitting the Bengali language to younger generations.[150][151] Bengali language courses are also offered at institutions of higher education, including theUniversity of Pennsylvania and theUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison.[152] In addition,Muktadhara Bookstore in New York is widely recognized as the principal hub for Bengali literature in North America.
Rabindra Sangeet,Nazrul Geeti, and folk traditions such asBaul music remain integral toBengali cultural identity. Inspired by the ideals ofChhayanaut, many Bengali instructors offer music education both online and offline. TheTagore Society of Houston works to promote the philosophy and cultural legacy ofRabindranath Tagore, with regular participation from second-generation Bengali Americans.[153]
TraditionalBengali cuisine continues to play a central role in Bengali American households, with rice and fish,bhorta, andpitha remaining staples. The consumption ofpanta ilish duringPohela Boishakh has become a global Bengali tradition. In terms of dress, women often prefersarees andsalwar kameez, while men commonly wear panjabi or fatua, particularly during cultural and religious festivals.
Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, has now become the largest non-sectarian Bengali festival inNorth America. It is not merely the beginning of a new calendar year; rather, it represents a powerful expression of Bengali linguistic pride and cultural identity. In states such as New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California,Boishakhi Melas have evolved into an annual tradition, drawing large crowds from across the Bengali diaspora.[154][155][156]
Among Bengali American Muslims,Eid is a major religious observance with an important communal dimension. Congregational Eid prayers are held in multiple locations, including neighborhoods in New York City such asJamaica,Brooklyn, andQueens, as well as at venues such asExposition Park inLos Angeles and open grounds inOrange County.[157][158][159][160]
Following the prayers, people exchange embraces and greetings of“Eid Mubarak,” and gather for family feasts featuring traditional dishes such asshemai,firni, andbiryani. The night beforeEid-ul-Fitr, known asChaand Raat, is especially popular. During theChaand Raat Mela, activities such as applyinghenna, buying bangles, and showcasing new clothes create a festive atmosphere. In Bengali-populated areas, particularlyJackson Heights,Chaand Raat draws large crowds and turns into a vibrant social gathering of Bengali community that extends late into the night.[161][162][163]
In the United States,Durga Puja is not merely a religious ritual; it is a major social and cultural event for theBengali Hindu community. Puja celebrations generally follow two models:barowari (community-based) pujas and temple-centered pujas. Due to work commitments, most pujas are held over weekends—popularly known as “Weekend Pujo.” Over the past few decades, significant changes have taken place in puja practices. In earlier years, idols were imported fromIndia, making them heavy and difficult to immerse. Today, there is a growing use of lightweight idols made from materials such as shola, which are easier to manage and more environmentally friendly.[164][165]
In New York City, cultural Durga Puja celebrations have been held atTimes Square since the early 2020s, reflecting the growing visibility of the Bengali Hindu community in prominent public spaces.[166][167]
Tributes are paid at the Shaheed Minar in Paterson, New Jersey. In New York, temporaryShaheed Minars are constructed alongHillside Avenue and inJackson Heights,Queens, where people pay tribute at 12:01 a.m.[168] Probhat Pheri (early-morning procession) is also organized to commemorate the occasion. Families often dress their children in red-and-white outfits adorned with Bengali letters, using the occasion to raise awareness about the Bengali language and cultural heritage among the younger generation.[168] Book fairs are also held.
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| International Mother Language Day | Probhat Pheri tradition of Bangladesh organized by BAFA |
In 16 December and 26 March, Bangladeshi organizations across the United States organizeVictory Day fairs andIndependence Day cultural programs. These events primarily feature patriotic songs, short theatrical performances, and discussion sessions focused on Bangladesh’s history, liberation struggle, and national identity.[169][170][171]
Founded in 1987, theFederation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA) is the largest umbrella organization of the Bangladeshi diaspora in North America, representing approximately 75 member organizations.
FOBANA organizes an annual convention, hosted each year by one or more of its member organizations. The host organization is selected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) two years in advance, allowing sufficient time to plan and successfully execute the convention. The first FOBANA convention was held in 1987 in Washington, D.C., and since then, the convention has become FOBANA’s flagship event.
The convention is held annually over the Labor Day weekend, each year in a different North American city. It features cultural performances by leading artists from Bangladesh, panel discussions and speeches on issues relevant to Bangladesh and the diaspora, and exhibitions by vendors offering a wide range of Bengali products.
Beyond entertainment, the convention serves as a vital social and cultural space where participants reconnect with old acquaintances, experience a strong sense of community, and introduce their children to the culture and heritage of their ancestral homeland.
In 2009, FOBANA established special standing committees to more effectively coordinate and expand its social, cultural, and economic initiatives for Bangladeshis living in North America. Currently, 25 standing committees support FOBANA’s organizational structure and oversee its various social and cultural activities.
The North American Bengali Conference (NABC) began its journey in 1981 in New York, founded by the Cultural Association of Bengal (CAB). While the conference originally emerged as a gathering place primarily for Bengalis fromWest Bengal and the broader Indian Bengali community, it has since evolved into a truly transnational forum that attracts Bengalis from around the world.[172]
NABC is an annual Bengali cultural conference held in the United States and Canada, typically around the July 4 weekend, and is hosted each year by a different local organization. The conference features a wide range of activities, including cultural performances, literary readings, panel discussions, professional networking sessions, and class reunions.[173]
Performers and speakers often come from the United States, Canada, India, and Bangladesh, reflecting the conference’s broad geographic reach. The audience is similarly diverse, consisting mainly of Bengali Americans,Indian Americans,Bangladeshi Americans,Indian Canadians, andBangladeshi Canadians. Over the decades, NABC has become one of the largest and most influential annual gatherings for the Indian Bengali diaspora in North America, serving as a major platform for cultural expression, community bonding, and intergenerational connection.[173]
.jpg)
Food lies at the heart of Bengali celebrations. In the United States, the growth of Bengali grocery stores and online platforms such as MonBangla has made it easier for members of the diaspora to access familiar and preferred ingredients close to home. Dishes featuringilish,rui,pabda, andkala bhuna remain indispensable elements of festive menus.[174][175]
Several restaurants—such as Chang Pai—serve Bengali-style Chinese cuisine, a food tradition that is extremely popular in Bangladesh and has been successfully recreated in diaspora settings.[175]
No Bengali celebration is complete without sweets.Rasgulla (which gained popularity in Kolkata in 1868),rasmalai (popularized in the 1930s by the Sen brothers ofCumilla), andsandesh regularly appear on festive tables abroad. These sweets, made fromchhana under Dutch-era influence, evoke a deep sense of childhood nostalgia among expatriate Bengalis.[174]
In addition, during festivals,tong orfuchka carts—such as Tong and others along Hillside Avenue in New York—become major attractions for the younger generation, adding a vibrant street-food dimension to Bengali cultural celebrations in the United States.[175]
The inclusion of theBengali language in the electoral system of the United States is largely the direct result of the demographic presence ofBangladeshi Americans, organized civil rights advocacy, and sustained legal challenges. Although, in principle, the use of Bengali applies to all Bengali-speaking communities, in practice electoral recognition of the language in states such asNew York andMichigan has been established primarily through the demands, litigation, and activism of voters of Bangladeshi origin.[176]
The legal foundation for securing these language rights was established through Section 203 of theVoting Rights Act, which was added in 1975.[177] This provision mandates that jurisdictions in which a linguistic minority population exceeds a specified threshold and where a significant number of voters have limited English proficiency must provide ballots and election-related assistance in the relevant minority language.[178][179]
Increased civic engagement has led to the election of Bengali-speaking officials, such asShahana Hanif (NYC Council) and various local leaders in Michigan and New Jersey.
It is sometimes claimed online that “Bangla is the only Indian language featured on New York City ballots.” This claim is both linguistically misleading and politically misframed.Bengali language was not included on NYC ballots as an “Indian language.”[180] Rather, its inclusion reflects the size of the Bangla-speaking population in the city— a population that is overwhelmingly composed ofBangladeshi Americans.[181][182]
The establishment of Bengali-language electoral services in New York City was decisively shaped by the efforts of Bangladeshi Americans. Following the 2011 census determination that Queens County qualified for Asian-language assistance, organizations representing the county’s large Bangladeshi population asserted that such assistance must be provided specifically in the Bengali language. When the New York City Board of Elections failed to provide Bengali-language ballots and materials in multiple elections in 2012, Bangladeshi American organizations initiated legal action. These cases were supported by Bangladeshi-led community groups in collaboration with Asian American legal advocacy organizations.[176]
After prolonged legal proceedings, a settlement agreement was reached in federal court in 2013. As a result, Bengali-language ballots were introduced for the first time in Queens County during that year’s mayoral election. This achievement is widely regarded as a historic success of organized political mobilization by Bangladeshi Americans.[183]
In 2024, under new New York State election laws, Bengali-language electoral assistance was also extended to Kings County (Brooklyn). This expansion was similarly grounded in the presence of a substantial Bangladeshi American voter population in the area. Consequently, Bengali has become an established and functional electoral language in multiple counties across New York State.[184][185]
The rate of participation among Bengali voters is comparable to, and in some cases higher than, the overall voter participation rate in New York City. In the 2021 primary election, voter turnout among Bangladeshi voters was 29.1 percent, higher than that of Pakistani voters (24.7 percent) and Korean voters (23.3 percent). Bengali-language media campaigns by organizations such as the AAPI Power Coalition were able to engage more than 1.5 million voters.[186]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Zohran Mamdani is campaigning for votes by speaking in the Bengali language. |
During the2025 New York City mayoral election, mayoral candidateZohran Mamdani personally conducted campaign outreach in the Bengali language among the Bangladeshi American community.[187]Shahana Hanif is a Bengali American politician serving as a member of the New York City Council. She is the first Bangladeshi American and the first Bengali American woman elected to the Council.
The recognition of the Bengali language in the electoral process in Hamtramck, Michigan, was an even more direct outcome of sustained advocacy by Bangladeshi Americans. Owing to the city’s large population of Bangladeshi origin, Hamtramck has fallen under the provisions of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act since 2011.[188] However, for an extended period, the law was not effectively implemented in practice, and Bengali-speaking voters repeatedly encountered language barriers at polling stations.[189]
Against this backdrop, a federal lawsuit was filed in 2021 on behalf of a Bangladeshi American voter, Rahima Begum.[190] The complaint alleged that polling places in Hamtramck lacked Bengali-language ballots, signage, and interpreter services, thereby violating the legally protected rights of Bangladeshi voters. The court took cognizance of these claims and issued a consent decree, under which city authorities were required to translate all election-related materials into Bengali, appoint a designated Bengali election program coordinator, and establish an advisory committee comprising representatives of the Bangladeshi community.[191]
This ruling is widely regarded as a historic victory for Bangladeshi Americans in Hamtramck and established an important legal precedent for the enforcement of Bengali-language voting rights in the United States.[189]
Beyond New York and Michigan, political demand for Bengali-language electoral services is also growing in other states. InNew Jersey,Middlesex County is currently covered under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act only for Gujarati-language assistance. However, the county’s large Bangladeshi population has increasingly called for the inclusion of Bengali-language services.[192][193] In areas such as Paterson’s Ward 2, Bengali voters often play a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes, with an estimated core electorate of approximately 2,000–2,200 voters.[194]
InPennsylvania,Philadelphia County is presently federally covered only for Chinese-language assistance. However, in 2024 the Pennsylvania Department of State began providing voter registration forms and ballot application materials in nine additional languages, including Bengali. This development indicates that Bengali-language ballots may become a legal reality in these states in the near future.[195][196]
Individuals of Bengali origin have held positions within the United Statesfederal government across a range of institutions. These roles have included appointments and staff positions within the White House and various federal agencies, indicating participation in multiple areas of federal administration and policymaking.
Zayn Siddique was appointed asDeputy Chief of Staff in theBiden–Harris administration.[197] In this role, he serves in a senior administrative and advisory capacity within theWhite House. He received his higher education fromPrinceton University andYale Law School, and previously served as alaw clerk toElena Kagan at theSupreme Court of the United States.[198][197]
TheOffice of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is a unit within the Executive Office of the President that reviews significant federal regulations. The position of Associate Administrator at OIRA is held byKazi Sabeel Rahman, a legal scholar who previously served as president of the policy research organizationDemos.[199] In his role at OIRA, Rahman is involved in the federal regulatory review process and oversight of rulemaking activities across executive agencies.[199]
In 2025, during thesecond administration of Donald Trump,Jayanta Bhattacharya was appointed as the 18th Director of theNational Institutes of Health (NIH).[200] Born inKolkata, he is a physician and economist who has served as a professor atStanford University, with research interests in public health and health economics.[201] Bhattacharya received national and international attention during theCOVID-19 pandemic as a co-author of theGreat Barrington Declaration, which advocated an alternative public health strategy focused on targeted protection.[202][203][204]
Another notable figure in the policymaking sphere is Dr. Zakir Hussain. Hussain served for nearly three decades as head of the Biochemical Sciences Review Group at the Center for Scientific Review of the National Institutes of Health. During his tenure, an electronic grant review system known as DART was developed under his leadership, contributing to changes in the administration and processing of peer review within the NIH grant evaluation framework.[205]
Individuals of Bengali origin have held judicial positions within the United States court system at both the federal and state levels.
In July 2023,Nusrat Jahan Choudhury was sworn in as a judge of theUnited States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.[206] She became the first Muslim woman and the first Bengali American to serve as a federal judge in the United States.[207][208] Judge Choudhury is a graduate ofYale Law School and previously worked as an attorney with theAmerican Civil Liberties Union, where her work focused oncivil rights–related litigation.[209]
At the state level,Ajmeri Hoque has served as a judge inOhio, whileSoma Syed has served as a judge inNew York.[210][211]
The first Bengali to serve as a member of the U.S. Congress wasHansen Hashim Clarke.[212] He representedMichigan’s 13th Congressional District as aDemocrat from 2011 to 2013.[213][214][215][216] His father was an immigrant fromBeanibazar inSylhet.[217] Clarke’s political journey has served as a major source of inspiration for subsequent generations of Bengali Americans.
At present, the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus plays an active role in advocating for issues relevant to the Bengali and Bangladeshi American community in Congress. The caucus is currently co-chaired byNellie Pou andJoe Wilson, reflecting growing institutional recognition of Bangladeshi American interests at the federal legislative level.[218]
At the state level, Bengali political success has been particularly remarkable. Bengalis now play policymaking roles in thelegislatures of Georgia,Virginia,Michigan,New Hampshire, andNew York, reflecting a deepening integration into American state politics.
At thefederal level,M. Osman Siddique served as aUnited States ambassador from 1999 to 2003, representing an early instance of diplomatic service by an individual of Bengali origin.[224][225]
Individuals of Bengali origin have contributed to scientific and technological work in the United States across a range of fields. These contributions include areas such as structural and architectural engineering, as well as participation in research and technical programs associated with organizations such asNASA.
Fazlur Rahman Khan was a Bangladeshi Americanstructural engineer known for his development of thetubular structural system, a method that significantly influencedhigh-rise building design in the twentieth century.[226] He contributed to the structural engineering of major skyscrapers, including Chicago’sSears Tower (now known as theWillis Tower) and theJohn Hancock Center. The structural principles associated with the tubular system continue to be applied in the design and construction of tall buildings in various parts of the world.
.jpg)
Abhijit Banerjee is aneconomist andNobel Prize laureate who serves as a professor at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focuses on development economics, including the study ofpoverty alleviation through the use ofrandomized controlled trials (RCTs), amethodological approach that has been widely applied inempirical economic research.
Didarul Islam was a Bangladeshi American police officer with theNew York City Police Department (NYPD). He joined the department in 2021 and was assigned to the 47th Precinct in theBronx. On July 28, 2025, Islam was fatally shot while responding to agun attack at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. At the time of the incident, he was off duty but in uniform and had been assigned to provide security at the building. According to official accounts, he attempted to confront the attacker and was killed during the incident.[249][250] Following his death, Islam was posthumously promoted to Detective First Grade by the NYPD.[251][252][253]
Omar Ishrak is a Bangladeshi American business executive who has held senior leadership roles inmultinational technology and medical device companies. He served as Chief Executive Officer ofMedtronic[254] and later as Chairman of the Board of Directors ofIntel.[255] During his tenure at Medtronic, the company expanded its operations across multiple international markets. His subsequent appointment as board chair at Intel placed him in a senior governance role within the technology sector.
Jawed Karim is a co-founder of the video-sharing platformYouTube and is of Bangladeshi origin. He is also known for uploading the first video to the platform, titledMe at the zoo, in 2005. Karim’s role in the early development of YouTube is documented as part of the platform’s origins and its subsequent impact on online video distribution.
Sal Khan is the founder of the nonprofit educational organizationKhan Academy. The platform provides free online instructional resources across a wide range of subjects and has been used by learners in many countries. Khan’s work is associated with the expansion of online education and digital learning tools in the early twenty-first century.
Reihan Salam is an American policy commentator who previously served as an Associate Editor atThe Atlantic.[256] He is currently the President of theManhattan Institute, a public policy research organization.[257]
Rebecca Rashid is a media professional who has worked as a podcast host and television producer. Her work has received industry recognition, including anEmmy Award.[258]
In contemporary literature,Rumaan Alam is an Americannovelist whose works have received literary awards and critical attention.Dilruba Ahmed is a poet, andSezan Mahmud is a physician and writer; both have produced literary work within the United States that engages with themes associated with Bengali and diasporic experiences.[259]
In the visual arts,Naeem Mohaiemen andHasan M. Elahi are artists whose work has been exhibited internationally.[260][261] Their practices include photography, video, and installation, and address themes related to history, politics, identity, and surveillance.[262]
Over 40 percent of the United States' Bengali population lives in New York City.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link){{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link){{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)| Americas | |
|---|---|
| Asia | |
| Europe | |
| Oceania | |
| Related | |
| Central Asian |  | |
|---|---|---|
| East Asian | ||
| South Asian | ||
| Southeast Asian | ||
| Other | ||
| History | ||
| Topics | ||
| Regions | ||
