Subrata Chowdhury Takes Oath on Four Holy Books in Atlantic City, Highlighting Interfaith Unity

Subrata Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi American elected to a third consecutive term on the Atlantic City School Board, took his oath of office in a rare and symbolic gesture of interfaith harmony by placing his hands on four sacred religious texts.

The oath-taking ceremony was held on the evening of January 6 at the Atlantic City School Board meeting hall. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. administered the oath as Chowdhury simultaneously placed his hands on the Quran, the Gita, the Bible, and the Tripitaka—representing Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. The act was widely praised by attendees as a powerful expression of secular and inclusive values.

Following the ceremony, Chowdhury joined the official school board meeting. In his remarks, he said the gesture reflected the values of pluralism and coexistence that shaped his upbringing. He described the oath as a quiet stand against religious intolerance and violence in today’s world.

Chowdhury said voters from diverse communities supported him in the recent election, and the multi-faith oath was meant to honor that trust and express respect for all beliefs.

Public Servant and Cultural Figure

Born in Chattogram, Bangladesh, Subrata Chowdhury immigrated to the United States with his family in 2012. He currently serves as a Human Services Specialist with the Atlantic County government.

Alongside his professional work, Chowdhury has played an active role in community journalism, earning multiple awards for his contributions. He is also a writer, poet, translator, and cultural activist. His published works include the poetry collection “Bishwo Behaya” and the children’s folklore book “Atu Butu Katu Kutu.” He regularly participates in diaspora cultural programs as a recitation artist.

He is associated with several civic and community organizations, including the Bangladesh Association of South Jersey, South Jersey Poets Collective, NAACP, and the America-Bangladesh Press Club. He also serves as a trustee of the Atlantic City Free Public Library and is completing his third term as the first Asian American member of Atlantic County’s Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

Subrata Chowdhury won the Atlantic City School Board election held on November 4 by a large margin and will serve a three-year term.