US city Hamtramck honours Khaleda Zia with street name

The decision follows a city council vote led by Bangladeshi-origin councillors

The Hamtramck City Council in Michigan, United States has approved a proposal to rename “Carpenter Street” as “Khaleda Zia Street” in honour of the late BNP chairperson.

The party's media cell confirmed the decision via its official Facebook page, noting that the street is situated in the heart of the city.

The designated area spans the section of Carpenter Street located between Joseph Campau and Conant Street.

Local expatriates view the council’s move as a unique tribute to Bangladeshi history, leadership, and democracy.

The initiative was spearheaded by four Bangladeshi-origin councillors currently serving on the Hamtramck City Council.

According to the BNP Media Cell, this is not the first instance of a Bangladeshi leader being honoured on American soil. A street in Chicago was previously named after the late president Ziaur Rahman.

Proponents of the move believe the new street name in Michigan serves as “a permanent testament to a significant chapter in Bangladeshi politics within the US”.

Community members expressed their delight, suggesting the naming will encourage younger generations of British and American Bangladeshis to learn about their heritage and the contributions of the former prime minister.

They also noted that the gesture reflects the growing political influence of the Bangladeshi community abroad.

Hamtramck, known for its cultural diversity, is expected to see strengthened social and cultural ties following this decision, as per the post.

Khaleda, Bangladesh’s three-time former prime minister, passed away on Dec 30 while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital.

She was laid to rest with state honours the following day at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, beside the grave of her husband.