Philadelphia is the birthplace of the USA. The flags of various countriesflying on poles lining both sides of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,Philadelphia’s signature tree-lined boulevard in the city’s museumdistrict, symbolizes America’s heritage of being a country constituted ofimmigrants from various countries all over the globe who live inharmony. Today, the flag of Bangladesh flies in that select group on apole that has a marker plate identifying the country’s name written in bothEnglish and Bangla.

It was a dream of Bangladeshi Americans living in Philadelphia and itssurrounding suburbs for many years. However, the formal processrequired legislation at the City Council level and despite many attempts inthe past by area Bangladeshis, success eluded the eager applicants.

Finally in September 2007 the Bangladesh Association of DelawareValley (BADV), one of the oldest Bangladeshi American organizations inUSA, established in 1971 during the liberation war of Bangladesh,launched its own efforts.

The then President of BADV, Riza Quabili, initiated an officialapplication at the suggestion of Dr. Ibrul Chowdhury and with theguidance of Dr. Nina Ahmed. The effort also received support from theoffice of the Honorable Congressman Chaka Fattah. The process requiredlogistical support from the City Council members and continual effort andlobbying by the applicants throughout the remaining months of the yearuntil the new Mayor-elect, the Honorable Michael Nutter assumed officeon January 2008. The lobbying efforts were intensified when Dr. Ahmedbecame the new chairman of the Mayor's Commission on Asian AmericanAffairs. At the same time other Bangladeshi organizations also steppedup their support for the “Flag” application process.

In June 2008 Resolution # 080599 was introduced by Councilwoman atLarge, Blondell Reynolds-Brown (a friend of Chaka Fattah), "calling onthe City of Philadelphia to include the flag of Bangladesh in the Displayof Flags on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway". The resolution wasunanimously adopted by the City Council. Today Bangladeshis can takepride as they view the flag of their home country while traversing theParkway.

Excerpted, April 2016

(Written by Dr Ziauddin Ahmed October 28, 2010)