Congressman André Carson (D, IN) said a lack of foresight and unity
Congressman André Carson (D, IN) said a lack of foresight and unity is undermining the influence of the eight million Muslims in the US. He said it is unfortunate for the Muslim population that there is no Muslim councilmember in New York City. And he made a clarion call for Muslim women to get engaged in politics alongside Muslim men.
“There are Muslim professionals working all over the US from NASA to all sorts of creative fields,” Carson said. “There is no place where you would not find a Muslim. But their presence in politics is not as visible,” he added, urging Muslim women to come forward to fill the void.
Carson is one of two Muslim congressmen in the United States. He spoke at a dinner organized by the Association of Bangladeshi American Professionals (ABAP) held on Dec. 4 at the Worlds Fair Marina Restaurant and Banquet in Queens. Other speakers included Dr. Mohammed A. Usmani, Maf Misbah Uddin (Treasurer for the District Council 37 union), Imam Siraj Wahhaj (Islamic Scholar), Imam Shamsi Ali, and Professors Abul Kalam Azad and Dr. Mujibur Rahman. Adjunct Professor at York College Zahid Zamir presented a paper on Bangladesh’s future and its current human rights situation.
Carson said he is aware of the human rights situation and repression against the opposition in Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh will need the help of the US for political and strategic purposes.
Carson urged those gathered to avoid male chauvinistic attitudes and added that everyday, many Muslims come to Congress to discuss different issues with their representatives, but there is very little presence of Muslim women. He said politicians sometimes raise questions about this but no one can provide a real answer.
Carson called on the White House to take initiatives to ensure the position of the Muslim women alongside Muslim men in all places of importance in the United States. He said the veil-adorned Muslim woman should be established in the mainstream of American society.
Imam Wahhaj said that more Muslim lawmakers like André Carson are essential in Congress. He called upon parents and guardians of future generations of Bangladeshi Americans to prepare their children to take that responsibility.
Union treasurer Maf Misbah Uddin said that if anyone wants to help Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi community in the US, they have to participate in mainstream politics. He urged all to turn away from the fighting in Bangladeshi politics and get involved in American politics. He said “although we have come from Bangladesh, we are now Americans. It is part of our oath that we should work to contribute to the development of American society.”
Professor Azad said it would be easier to help the community if one is involved in mainstream American politics. He mentioned different opportunities provided by the Department of Education and said that no demand can be fulfilled without political pressure in this country.
Photos of the event can be found on the Association of Bangladeshi American Professionals’ Facebook page.