The Saa Nasta's 2023 Roundup
Dear Saa Nasta Readers,
I hope you’re having a restful week before the holiday break. We’re taking a look back at this year’s news and happenings. I’m looking forward to a bright new year ahead, Inshallah (God willing).
Sincerely,
Nargis
Top 10 stories of 2023
In this edition I’m looking at some of the big stories that took place this year. From new restaurant events to the first Bangladeshi woman federal judge, Bangladeshis are taking the nation by storm.
Let’s look at some of the highlights:
ADDA Restaurant hosts a Bangladeshi Food Festival. This restaurant opened its doors in July 2022. It serves unique foods like ilish pulao and fuchka.
A 7.8 earthquake Turkey-Syria earthquake ravaged the country and claimed over 50,000 people’s lives, along with additional earthquakes.
“In Search of a Bengali Harlem” debuted at the Freep Film Festival as part of the Asian American Pacific Islander film series. Documentary filmmaker Alaudin Ullah goes on a journey to capture his father’s migration to the U.S. as an undocumented Bengali man.
Nusrat Choudhury was confirmed as the first female Muslim Bangladeshi American woman federal judge in New York. Choudhury served as the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Illinois before her current role.
Five Bangladeshi Americans ran for Warren City Council seats. While none of them made it to the general election ballot - it’s an opportunity to see if Warren is ready for Bangladeshis to take up elected seats in the city.
Bangladeshi American Tabtilla Chowdhury created Mentors Bridging Gaps to help students find mentors within their fields, including in medical and engineering backgrounds.
Fuchka carts are featured in the New York Times as a popular street food for the masses.
An art exhibit ‘Bangladeshis in Michigan’ features people, fiber art, and culture. Artist Fatema Haque curates an exhibition to share the rich history of Bangladeshis who immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1900s.
The Israel-Hamas conflict began Oct. 7th when Hamas took over 200 hostages during an outdoor concert. Israel has since killed over 20,000 people in Palestine. Bangladesh held a day of mourning for those who died in Palestine.
Let us know what are some of your favorite stories from 2023, and what stories we should feature in 2024. Send us an email to thesaanasta@gmail.com, or visit us on socials @thesaanasta.
Community News:
Mohammad Huda (Mubin) passed away this morning. His janaza prayer will be held tomorrow at Masjid Al-Falah in Detroit after the zuhr prayer, at 1 p.m.