South Asian Unity Parade Held in New York Under Bangladeshi Leadership
The first-ever South Asian Unity Parade, led by members of the Bangladeshi community, was held in New York on Sunday, Aug. 9, drawing large crowds and participants from across South Asia.
The parade brought together immigrants from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Afghanistan. A colorful procession of vehicles decorated with national flags and banners moved through the streets, accompanied by mounted police officers and the New York Police Department’s band.
The parade began at 59th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens, and concluded at 87th Street. Thousands of South Asian community members and other New Yorkers lined both sides of the route, applauding and welcoming the participants.
The parade was organized by Bangladesh Society, with numerous Bangladeshi community organizations participating under their respective banners. Shah Newaz, chairman of the Bangladesh Society Board of Trustees and editor of local Bangla weekly Ajkal, served as the Grand Marshal.
At the opening ceremony, Shah Newaz described the event as a historic moment of pride for the South Asian community.
“Setting aside political differences and divisions, we have come together shoulder to shoulder in this celebration,” he said. “We are showcasing our unity, harmony and strength on the global stage. This parade will remain a part of history.”
He also said the South Asian Unity Parade would be held annually under Bangladeshi leadership.
Among those attending were Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman, Queens Democratic District Leader-at-Large and Guest of Honor Attorney Moin Chowdhury, General Secretary Mohammad Ali, Vice President Kamruzzaman Kamrul, Board of Trustees members Ahsan Habib, Azharul Haque Milon and Naim Tutul, and community leader and Chief Coordinator of the parade Shah Shahidul Haque.
New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga, along with community leaders Nurul Azim, Abu Zubayer Dara, Azharul Islam, Lion Matiur Rahman, Jahangir Alam Joy, Tariqul Islam Badal, Amin Mehdi, Nuruzzaman Sardar, Mia Mohammad Dulal, Mohammad Nomi, Nawshad Haider, Maksudul H. Chowdhury, Masud Siraji, Engineer Abdul Khaleque, Anik Raj, Abu Bakar Siddique, Redowana Razzak Setu, Shakil Mia, Moynuzzaman Chowdhury, Hasan Mark and actress Sabah Kabir were also present.
The organizers said the parade marked an important milestone for South Asian unity in New York and highlighted the growing cultural presence and community leadership of Bangladeshi immigrants.
