Howard Dean is still at the top of the popularity list among Bangladeshi immigrants, despite his defeat in Iowa by his rival John Kerry. Different Democratic clubs consider Dean to be their strongest representative against Bush and are working to support him in the Democratic primary, to be held in New York on March 2, 2004. Bangladeshis say, however, that should there be a change in the political landscape, they will support the Democratic frontrunner.
Bangladeshi Democrats, like most other U.S. Democrats, think that Bush’s ouster from power is essential to improve America’s. image internationally and for the interests of the immigrants in the country. They have expressed their determination to work together and overlook differences in order to remove President Bush from power. So, if last week Howard Dean was the candidate of choice, this week maybe it’s Senator John Kerry.
Bangladeshi Republicans are also saying that they would vote against Bush. Important Republicans like Dr. Delwar Hossen and Dr. Wadud Bhuiyan say that President Bush has trampled underfoot the image of the country and the party. None of the allegations brought against an independent and sovereign country, which was then occupied, could be proved. If they could vote today, they would cast their vote against Bush.
Mohammad Aminullah, head of the Asian-American Democratic Club, reports that although they are still working to support Howard Dean, “they will support whomever is the Democratic frontrunner. The country’s economy has been destroyed during Bush’s administration and both lower and middle-class families are suffering from the same problem: they are struggling for their livelihood. The situation demands that we come together on this cause.” According to him, the club is making a massive effort to inform voters about the importance of getting involved in the primaries. The club reaches out to different parts of the city, including Astoria, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, Flushing and Brooklyn. At their next meeting, to be held at the Dhaka Club on Feb. 13, the candidate endorsement will be decided. Bangladeshi Caucus leader Josef Crowly and other Democratic leaders including Gregory Meeks will be there. Aminullah adds: “Bangladeshis are planning to endorse Dean. To this end, Bangladeshi Democrats and community leaders need to work together.”
M.A. Quyum, president of the Bangladeshi-American Democratic Association of New York, agrees that Howard Dean still is their top choice. “But that depends on his performance,” said Quyum. “If he proves himself to be the most qualified, we will work for him. If he is defeated in the primaries, then we can do nothing for him. We are planning to undertake different programs, including a street campaign, to make Bangladeshis aware of how important the Presidential election is for us.”
According to Quyum, there are about 3,000 members in his organization. “All of them will be registered to vote before the elections,” he added. “It is a time for unity in the interest of all Bangladeshis. There is no alternative, given this challenging situation. Bangladeshi Democrats should be on the same page for this election.
Mujibur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Society of New York, praises Howard Dean for bringing about a new trend in U.S. politics. “He has broken the traditional paradigm so many people have responded to his call. I am working with former Congressman Thomas Menton as a leader of the Eastern Queens Democratic Club. Howard Dean has drawn the attention of all middle-class people. He is the most dependable candidate to keep the interests of the immigrants in focus. I think all Democrats will support him.”
The New American Democratic Club and Eastern Queens Democratic Club chairman, Murshed Alam, said that the Queens County Democratic Club has endorsed Dean. “I am also supporting him because his health care and housing programs would benefit the working people,” said Alam. “Howard Dean is not an insider Democrat. He is very outspoken and says whatever he feels without any hesitation. He is against the Patriotic Act, which has limited personal freedom. No other candidate has taken such a clear position against the war [in Iraq]. No one is attacking Bush as sharply.” Alam encourages all Bangladeshis to get involved and join in the club’s activities, which take place the third week of every month.
For Nargis Ahmed, president of the Bangladeshi-American Club, “John Kerry is a more mature leader than any of the other candidates.” However, she also will support “the Democratic frontrunner against Bush.”
”Bangladeshis should raise their voice in the ensuing elections,” said the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Society, Fakhrul Alam. “But, personally, I’m in support of a third party. The Democrats are weak in taking appropriate steps against Bush; their social programs are not as strong as the Republican’s.”
Democratic leader Dr. M. Billah said, “We are supporting Howard Dean because he is opposed to war and is for peace. Recently Dean sent a representative to the Jamaica Muslim Center, where he expressed Dean’s commitment to the Bangladeshi community.”
Dr. Wadud Bhuiyan said he is a “Republican, heart and soul.” But, he will not vote for Bush. “If Senator John Edwards gets the Democratic Party nomination, I would vote for him.”
Republican leader Dr. Delwar Hossen said, "As a Republican leader, President Bush has disappointed the immigrant communities. He has established himself as a war-monger president. The United States is the defender of democracy and the leader of the free world, but Bush has diminished that glorious tradition.” He added: "People used to think that the United States was the heavenly earth of freedom; they are now resentful. Why are tens of thousands of people in Europe demonstrating against Bush? With tens of thousands of people in America are jobless, why is Bush spending $1 billion a day for the war in Iraq? The occupation of an independent country is not acceptable. I will cross party lines, even though I am a Republican. I will not vote for Bush. If John Kerry gets the nomination, he will be my candidate."
