Bangladesh to observe 53rd Victory Day
Dear Saa Nasta Readers,
We’re taking a look at Bangladesh’s 53rd Victory Day celebrations, the Bangladeshis in Michigan exhibition, and two bills that were signed into law to improve language access in Michigan.
As always, share your ideas with the Saa Nasta Newsletter and let us know what Bangladeshi foods you’re cooking up at home, and what part of the Bangladeshi culture you want to learn about next.
Sincerely,
Nargis
Bangladesh observes 53rd Victory Day
Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan in the Bangladesh Liberation War, declaring victory on December 16, 1971. An estimated three million people died during this war in the genocide. Now, 53 years later, Bangladesh is gearing up for a day of remembrance, festivities, and a public holiday.
Meaningful language access bills passed in Michigan
Two bills were signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to create meaningful language access across Michigan state agencies. The changes require the agencies to have a plan of how they will meet the needs of over 900,000 people in Michigan over the age of five who speak another language additional to English — and may not be proficient. Whitmer allocated $750,000 to the Office of Global Michigan to monitor the changes and recommend any strategic changes in the next two years. The law applies to population areas where three percent of the population, or 500 people are less than English proficient, being served by that agency. Changes may include bilingual staff, translated materials, and website changes. Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang says many people, including immigrant populations, will be impacted by the changes. Chang, Michigan State Representative Ranjeev Puri, and several community organizations worked on the language access bills.
Community News:
Fiber artist Fatema Haque’s exhibition “Bangladeshis in Michigan” incorporates people, embroidery, and stories. The exhibition opened on November 30 at the Shapiro Library at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. With each artwork, which took 30-100 hours of labor, Haque takes a deep dive to show the vibrant Bangladeshi culture and the trajectory of a growing community that is several generations into the American fabric.
Whitmer signed a new bill to provide tax refunds for 700,000 families who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The refunds went up from 6 percent to 30 percent — providing an additional on average $550 for families. Checks will be processed in February 2024 and mailed to tax filers who qualify for the refund.
Hamtramck City Council voted 4-3 to rename one of the city’s streets “Palestine Avenue” on Tuesday. The resolution says the streets between Buffalo and Aubin will be given this honorary name, as a “gesture of remembrance and support for the people of Gaza.” A timeline has yet to be determined on when the street sign will be up.