The Bangladeshi Muslim community bade special thanks to the Commissioner for his assurances that the immigrant community's life would not be disturbed. Amidst cheerful applause Kelly advised the congregants to report to the nearby precinct any problems they may encounter.
"Even a complaint against a police officer may be filed with the Civilian Complaint Review Board, if the officer misbehaves with anybody." He added, "This is the first visit of a police commissioner to a mosque, run by the Bangladeshis in Brooklyn."
Commissioner Kelly made the visit at a time when the Imams, office bearers and Muslim devotees were concerned and confused by the rumor that they were under police watch, which turned out to be misinformation. There was also confusion regarding racial profiling of community members after the September 11 attacks and subsequent interrogation about the immigration status of those detained.
Haji Abul Hashem, president of the Bangladesh Muslim Center, who welcomed Kelly on behalf of the devotees, also requested upfront permission to double park on the street around the mosque during Jumma prayer and two Eid festivals. This was followed with a formal introduction of Commissioner Kelly by the chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the Mosque, Abul Quasim, who invited him to speak. [pic]
After praising the Bangladeshi community – Kelly said among people of many colors and many languages who live in this city, Bangladeshis, a peace loving people, are starting to shine – Commissioner Kelly reiterated that the NYPD is not an agent of the immigration authorities or Home Land Security, therefore they had no right to ask about a person's immigration status should he or she be arrested for any reason in this city. Kelly encouraged anyone facing such situation to report the issue to the authorities or call the city hotline 311, where they could get help in Bangla. He said that the responsibility of the police is to ensure the security of the community and indicated that there is always a police precinct nearby ready to help.
Commissioner Kelly pointed to the falling rate of criminal activities in the city and said that the stronger the relationship between the police and community, the more successful the initiative for controlling crime. He encouraged community members to take on the responsibility to inform the police about the bad elements in their midst since they are friends to no one. According to Kelly, there are several hundred police officers working for the NYPD and said, among them, the Muslim police officers have organized themselves.
At a question and answer session, several devotees, including former Secretary of the Bangladesh Society Zainul Abedin, Haji Nazmul Islam Chowdhury, Mohammed Hannan and many others present, pressed the Commissioner on different issues. One questioner brought up the poor treatment of Muslims by police when they walk on the street. Another person complained that it has become difficult to walk on Eighth Avenue due to street vendors setting up shop illegally on the sidewalks. Someone else requested that the Commissioner come to the mosque during the month of fasting for a conversation with the devotees.
Close to a thousand devotees were present during Kelly's visit. The whole congregation appeared relieved after Kelly reassured the group about the protection of immigration status information and with news that mosques are not under surveillance.
This was particularly reassuring in light of the allegations made to the United States Attorney General by Muslim communities in Michigan and California that their mosques were being watched by the FBI. In a case filed in the California Federal Court, the Judge requisitioned the documents from the FBI regarding their watch lists. Although several reports on the issue by the Weekly Thikana expressed doubt that similar tactics were in use in New York City, Commissioner Kelly's speech helped clear the air here.
There were questions surrounding Commissioner Kelly's sudden decision to visit the mosque, following a string of failed efforts to bring him to Brooklyn; however, his reception was enthusiastic and some community members claim there is a general feeling of ease following the visit and the fear of encountering the police has diminished. As well, others say that local police have become more respectful.
Bangladeshis of all strata of life were grateful to Police Commissioner Kelly for his speech. Many believe that there is more awareness of the community in mainstream society and hope that contact with high level authorities will increase in the future.
