November 3, 2010

Bangladeshi descent becomes Michigan Congressman

For the first time in the history of the United States of America, a Bangladeshi descent, democratic member of the Michigan Senate Hansen Hashem Clarke won a congressional seat to the United States House of Representatives.

After winning the congressional seat, held by Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick for more than 20 years, Clarke said he will try to fulfill the dreams of people of United States, different sources said.

Clarke was born in Detroit, Michigan to a Bangladeshi American father, Mozaffar Ali Hashem, hailed from Sylhet and an African American mother, Thelma Clarke. Clarke visited his village home few years ago.

His father died when he was a child. Clarke attended Cass Technical High School, and then was admitted to a prestigious east-coast prep school to complete his high school.

Clarke studied at Cornell University, graduating with a degree in fine arts. While at the university, he became interested in politics.

He was elected to the student seat on the Cornell University Board of Trustees and was a member of the Quill and Dagger society. He then earned a law degree from Georgetown Law School in 1987.

Clarke worked as chief of staff to US Representative John Conyers, as well as in Wayne County during the administration of Edward H McNamara.

Bangladesh Today