Jamaica, Queens has become one of the most attractive places for Bangladeshi immigrants due to its cleanliness and security. Thanks to its secure environment, many Bangladeshis choose this part of Queens to open new businesses and buy homes. Bangladeshi-owned businesses in the area have seen enormous growth over the past few years as more and more people are rushing to the area for temporary or permanent residences. Those living in Jamaica dub it as the future "little Bangladesh" of New York. If the current growth of Bangladeshi businesses and dwelling continues, the area could soon become home to the largest Bangladeshi-American community in New York.
People from all regions of Bangladesh live in the area, with no particular area of origin dominating. Likewise, no specific economic class or profession dominates either, as all classes and professions are represented. As a result, according to the locals, the community holds great potential for growth in all areas, thereby making Jamaica very suitable for living and developing businesses.
The security in the area is so good that one can sleep with their house doors open at any time of the day. It was not as secure as it is today before the establishment of the Jamaica Muslim Center in 1986. Back then, people would fear going to Jamaica during the day, let alone at night. Locals said that at the time, muggers and vehicle hijackers made it a dangerous area. After the establishment of the Muslim Center, it gradually started to change. The Center's community activities promoted a sense of security amongst the residents, serving as a guiding institution for them. The most sought-after residential areas started developing around the Islamic Center, with most of the dwellers being immigrants from Bangladesh. Meanwhile, business establishments also started growing, creating many jobs. It is estimated that about 100,000 Bangladeshis live in the area. Though Jamaica Muslim Center is located at 8537 186th Street, its influence stretches throughout the entire neighborhood, with Bangladeshis competing to build businesses and residences around the Center.
Locals say easy availability of transportation, a good neighborhood environment, proximity to court and offices, good educational institutions, hospitals, family physicians, shops and establishments are all factors that attract people to the area from all over New York.
It has been learned that several pharmacists, including the late Tahur Ali, former president of the Bangladesh Society, first took the initiative to establish the Jamaica Muslim Center in 1984. Since then, people of all professions started moving into the area. Residents said that in the beginning, Bangladeshis started opening grocery stores, with Bangladesh Spicy Grocery on 168 31st Street being the first to open for business in 1988. After a change in ownership, it was later renamed to Bengal Grocery and Halal Meat Inc. Fatema Grocery on Hillside Avenue was the next to open.
Later, several other grocery stores, including Amader Grocery (Heaven's Corporation), Banophul, Kawran Bazar, Mannan, Poshra and Dhaka Swad were opened in the area. Sagar was the first Bangladeshi restaurant in the area, followed by Fatema restaurant, which was later gutted in a fire and closed. Dhaka Sweets, Gharoa, Tajmahal, Deshi Swad, and Sagar Chinese are among the most popular restaurants in the area.
Razzakul Islam, owner of Bengal Grocery, said there was a small population of Bangladeshis in Jamaica before 1991. Their numbers started increasing after more Bangladeshis arrived under the OP-1 Immigrant Visa Program. Due to fear of muggers, he recalled, it was almost impossible to live in the area during 1986-87. Now, those are bygone days, said Razzakul Islam, adding that Jamaica is now a "golden place" for Bangladeshis.
Nurul Islam, owner of Heaven's Corporation, said that Bengali settlements grew around the Jamaica Muslim Center. Before, Bangladeshis had to go to Manhattan to eat Bangladeshi food. After the opening of these grocery stores, they no longer needed to go elsewhere for Bangladeshi food, he added.
Publicity Secretary of the Bangladesh Society, Saiful Islam, who is also Assistant Secretary of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, said that now, Bangladeshis in Jamaica own everything from salons to jewelry shops and many professionals, including doctors, are running their businesses there. Last year, Jamaica Muslim Center organized one of the largest Eid congregations (the biggest Muslim holiday after Ramadan, the month of fasting) in America. Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society was the most active organization in helping to organize the congregation.
