Georgia Senate backs Bangladesh student movement, interim govt's reforms

The Georgia State Senate has adopted a resolution acknowledging the 2024 student-led movement in Bangladesh, which demanded civil service quota reform and rallied the working class in a call for greater democracy.

The resolution, initiated by Bangladeshi-born US State Senator Sheikh Rahman, also extended best wishes to Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, for its commitment to governance reforms.

In an exclusive interview with UNB at his office in the Georgia Capitol, Senator Rahman said that the youth of Bangladesh have the power to transform the country—provided they elect honest and competent leaders who prioritise national interests over party loyalty.

"I want Bangladesh to succeed. The country has a vast, talented young population, and I want to see them thrive," Sheikh Rahman said.

He emphasised that the current political instability must be addressed, with the interim government implementing key reforms before the next general election. Without such changes, he warned, the corrupt status quo would prevail.

Sheikh Rahman urged Bangladeshi voters to focus on "honesty and competence" when choosing leaders, rather than showing blind allegiance to political parties. "Love your country, not just your party," he said.

He also voiced support for young activists in Bangladesh forming a political party and expressed willingness to assist them. "I believe real change in Bangladesh will come from the younger generation, not the old political elites," he added.

Reflecting on his own journey, Senator Sheikh Rahman shared how he was born in Bajitpur, Kishoreganj, and survived the 1971 Liberation War before moving to the United States in 1981 to pursue higher education.

He worked low-wage jobs to support himself and later earned degrees in Economics and Global Studies from the University of Georgia.

Inspired by President Barack Obama's election, he entered politics and eventually became the first immigrant, Asian American, and Muslim elected to Georgia's State Senate.

"My experiences during the Liberation War shaped my outlook. Politics became second nature to me," Sheikh Rahman said, recalling how his father was a freedom fighter and a camp supervisor at the Joy Bangla Juba Shibir in Agartala, India.

Despite facing challenges as an immigrant—particularly language barriers and underrepresentation— Sheikh Rahman said perseverance helped him succeed. "I firmly believe the American Dream is alive. If you work hard, remain honest, and connect with people, they will support you."

He pointed out that the Bangladeshi-American community still lacks adequate representation in US politics, mainly due to low civic engagement. "Many Bangladeshis in the US don't vote, even though they passionately discuss politics. This needs to change."

Sheikh Rahman encouraged young immigrants, especially Bangladeshis, to actively engage in their communities and build connections across different ethnic and cultural groups. "They should not isolate themselves. Build relationships and learn the political process," he advised.

In the Georgia Senate, Sheikh Rahman serves on multiple committees and has co-sponsored several bills focusing on education, agriculture, the environment, and anti-human trafficking. He said he represents not just Bangladeshi-Americans but a diverse population from over 100 countries residing in his district.

On the state of US-Bangladesh relations, Sheikh Rahman commented, "Bangladesh must establish itself independently in global affairs. It should develop direct bilateral ties with the US, rather than relying on third-party nations."

He also called on the Bangladeshi diaspora in the US to play a greater role in strengthening bilateral ties by engaging with their local representatives and advocating for issues that affect Bangladesh.

Sheikh Rahman concluded with a message to the Bangladeshi community worldwide: "Dream big, don't give up, and always work hard. Everyone has potential—make the most of it."