Immigrant Bangladeshis are gradually becoming active in mainstream American politics, behind the scenes. Though campaigning efforts are not imminently visible, the alliance of Bangladeshis with the Democratic and Republican parties is being strengthened everyday.

A few years ago, it was difficult to get American policymakers to heed the call of Bangladeshis—but there have been changes over time. Now, congressmen respond to the call of Bangladeshis on a myriad of issues. At night, one can find Assemblymember James Brennan (D-Brooklyn) or Councilman Bill de Blasio (D-Brooklyn) deeply engaged in chats with Bangladeshis at the Jhinuk Restaurant in Brooklyn. Councilman James Gennaro (D-Queens) is seen everywhere—and he isn’t just fundraising. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-New York), rushed to a folk song conference arranged by Bangladeshis last week. Rep. Major Owens (D-New York) was seen rushing to a meeting arranged by Bangladeshis living in Brooklyn. Councilman Gennaro openly claims that he is a “Bangladeshi” councilman. As mark of love to for Bangladeshis he arranged a grand function on the Independence Day of Bangladesh at City Hall.

Benjamin Gilman, former congressman and former chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee is like a guardian of Bangladeshis in America. He stood beside Bangladeshi immigrants in their happiness and sorrow. Rep. Gregory Meeks also made himself a good relative of Bangladeshis. And thus, Bangladeshi communities have become more active in the mainstream politics day by day.

In the Democratic Party Mohammad Aminullah is a well-known face. Mohammad Sadique and Nargis Ahmed were elected to their respective community boards. Morshed Alam surprised many when he was the first Bangladeshi elected to the school board. Before this, Morshed ran for the New York State Senate. Last year, Gias Ahmed received the Republican Party nomination for state senate, which also surprised many.

There have been large-scale activities in the Bangladeshi community around the ensuing city, state and presidential elections and Mohammad Aminullah is the pioneer. Besides the Bangladeshi American Public Affairs Front Leader Nargis Ahmed, Mohammad Sadeque, Anwarul Islam Bacchu, Awlad Hossen Khan, Hasan Ali and A.K.M Abdul Hai are also prominent leaders. There is also Golam Meraj, from the ringside seat, who’s played a vital role in enrolling Bangladeshis in the Republican Party. Reliable sources said that the blessings of Golam Meraj acted as an ingredient in getting the Republican nomination of Gias Ahmed. The friendship of Golam Meraj and Benjamin Gilman is known to some. Benjamin Gilman addressed more than one meeting of Bangladeshis for those who were enlisted in the program known as the Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW) Program.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshis have been actively organizing their votes in a different way so that no one candidate can bag the votes of Bangladeshis. They have formed a panel with those who are close to Bangladeshis. Mohamad Aminullah told Bangla Patrika that the candidates who were given support are: Councilmen Gennaro, Allen Jennings of Richmond Hill, David Weprin of Queens Village, Hiram Monserrate of Corona, Helen Sears of Jackson Heights, Eric Joyee of Woodside, Peter Vallone Jr. of Astoria and Bill de Blasio of Brooklyn. All of them are close to Bangladeshis.

Aminullah has called all Bangladeshis living in different areas to vote for the above-mentioned candidates. About the presidential race, he said that many of the Democrats are good candidates, although Wesley Clark has drawn his attention. President Clinton and Hillary Clinton have supported him. Now let us see.

Mohammad Aminullah said that the Bangladeshi Caucus was formed under the leadership of Joseph Crowley. The members of this caucus are increasing day by day. A Bangladeshi Caucus in the U.S. is a remarkable achievement.

Nargis Ahmed said that the main objective of the Bangladeshi American Public Affairs Front was to draw Bangladeshis to mainstream politics. He said that in mainstream politics it is obvious that you have to work with different candidates; fundraising and voter registration are important. In this regard, many Bangladeshis are not that enterprising. Aminullah said that the time and money required to do politics is too much for the Bangladeshi community. But, he said, we are laying the foundation for the next generation, who will be able to flourish from the work we are doing now.

Though most Bangladeshis are registered Democrats, a section of the community are registered with the Republican Party. Among them there are: Golam Meraj, Dr. Delwar Hossen, Dr. Wadud Bhuiyan, Faruk Bakth Chowdhury and renowned businessman Abul Sufiyan.

When asked why he is associated with the Republican Party, Dr. Wadud Bhuiyan said, “I was attracted to them because of their uncompromising attitude towards values and morality. But one should not judge the Republicans by Bush.”

Gias Ahmed said many immigrants think that Republicans are their opponents. This means our prime duty is to face them and tell them our story.”

Mohammad Aminullah said that the initiative and sincerity of the Democrats towards immigrants attracted him to the party.