A street in the US state of Michigan has been named after Bangladesh’s three-time former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, according to a statement issued by the BNP Media Cell on Thursday.

The statement said a key stretch of Carpenter Street in the heart of Hamtramck city will now bear the name of Begum Khaleda Zia following a decision by the city authorities. The renamed section lies between Joseph Campau Avenue and Conant Street.

The BNP Media Cell said the proposal to rename the street was recently approved by the Hamtramck City Council, where four councillors of Bangladeshi origin are currently serving. Their active role played a key part in securing the approval, it added.

Bangladeshi expatriates described the move as a unique recognition of Bangladesh’s history, leadership and democratic struggle, noting that the initiative represents more than a symbolic renaming of a street.

The statement also recalled that this is not the first time a street in the United States has been named after a Bangladeshi leader. Previously, a street in Chicago was named after martyred President Ziaur Rahman.

According to expatriates, the inclusion of Khaleda Zia’s name in Michigan adds a lasting chapter to Bangladesh’s political history in the United States and is expected to raise awareness among younger generations of expatriate Bangladeshis about the country’s history and leadership.

The BNP Media Cell said expatriate Bangladeshis have expressed enthusiasm over the development, describing it as a reflection of the growing political strength of the Bangladeshi community abroad.

It added that Hamtramck’s diverse character makes the initiative a step towards strengthening social and cultural ties between Bangladesh and the United States.