Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress (BAPP) is a Bangladeshi political awareness and activist group based in New York, USA. The organization was founded to create a grassroots movement. This movement aims to establish a Bangladeshi-American voting bloc in New York. Furthermore, it seeks to elect political candidates and advocate for legislation that protects and advances the well-being of working-class and low-income communities. To achieve its objectives, BAPP helps educate the Bangladeshi community about their rights and the political and legislative process. Additionally, it encourages electoral participation and forms alliances with other progressive organizations.
Goals
- Increase political participation among Bangladeshis: BAPP aims to get more Bangladeshi Americans involved in the political process. This involves encouraging them to register to vote and actively participate in elections at various levels of government in New York.
- Create a progressive Bangladeshi voting bloc: The organization seeks to unify Bangladeshi American voters in New York around progressive values and policy positions. By creating a strong and organized voting bloc, BAPP intends to amplify the community’s political influence.
- Elect progressive political candidates and pass progressive legislation: Ultimately, BAPP’s goal is to help elect candidates who align with their progressive values and will advocate for policies that benefit working-class and low-income communities, including the Bangladeshi community in New York.
Strategies
- Educate Bangladeshis about the political process and civic engagement: BAPP believes that informed citizens are more likely to participate in democracy. Therefore, they work to educate the Bangladeshi community in New York about their rights, the workings of the political system, and the importance of civic engagement.
- Form alliances with membership-based Bangladeshi groups: Recognizing the strength in unity, BAPP seeks to collaborate with existing Bangladeshi community organizations in New York. These alliances can help expand their reach and mobilize more people for their political objectives.
- Form alliances with other South Asian groups: BAPP aims to build broader coalitions by partnering with other South Asian organizations in New York that share similar progressive goals. This allows for a larger and more diverse base of support for their initiatives.
>Form alliances with progressive organizations in general: To further their agenda, BAPP intends to collaborate with other progressive organizations in New York, regardless of their specific ethnic or cultural focus. This will create a wider network of allies working towards shared political goals. - Form alliances with Bangladeshi-owned businesses: BAPP also seeks to partner with Bangladeshi-owned businesses in New York. This can provide the organization with resources, visibility, and connections within the community to support their political activities.
Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress collaborates with incumbent public officials and endorses political candidates who support the well-being of the Bangladeshi community.
Membership in Bangladeshi Americans for Political Progress is open to all. The annual membership fee is $20 per year. There is also a sliding scale contribution option. Members help BAPP with social media support, election campaigns, community research, programming, service provision, operations, translation, etc.