25 Years After 9/11, the Names of Six Bangladeshi Americans Remain Unforgettable
By Sadia J. Choudhury | New York
September 11, 2001, began like any other workday. Thousands of New Yorkers went to work that morning. Among them were six Bangladeshi Americans—Shakila Yasmin, Nurul Haque Mia, Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury, Mohammad Shahjahan, Shabbir Ahmed and Abul K. Chowdhury.
None of them returned home.
They had families, careers and dreams for the future. Shakila Yasmin and Nurul Haque Mia were married and worked at Marsh & McLennan. Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury worked at Windows on the World. His wife was expecting their second child at the time of his death.
For their families, September 11 is not simply a date in history. It is the day a loved one never came home.
A World Changed Forever
The attacks on the World Trade Center changed far more than New York’s skyline. They reshaped U.S. foreign policy and triggered the war in Afghanistan.
That conflict had deeper roots, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Cold War, U.S. support for Afghan resistance forces, Pakistan’s strategic role and the eventual rise of the Taliban.
Following 9/11, the United States launched its military campaign in Afghanistan. Nearly two decades later, U.S. forces withdrew, and in August 2021 the Taliban returned to power in Kabul.
Afghanistan’s Strategic Importance
Afghanistan’s potential reserves of lithium, copper, iron and other critical minerals have also drawn international attention.
As demand for critical minerals grows, Afghanistan’s natural resources have become part of a wider discussion involving technology, investment and global strategic competition.
Yet turning mineral wealth into economic development requires security, political stability, infrastructure and investment.
25 Years Later
Ground Zero has been rebuilt. New York has moved forward. A new generation has grown up.
But the names remain.
Shakila Yasmin.
Nurul Haque Mia.
Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury.
Mohammad Shahjahan.
Shabbir Ahmed.
Abul K. Chowdhury.
They were not simply six victims.
They were six families, six dreams and six unfinished stories.
Shah Group’s Tribute
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Shah Group remembers all those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, with profound respect and sympathy.
The group especially honors the six Bangladeshi Americans who left home that morning for an ordinary day of work but never returned.
Shah Group reaffirms its commitment against terrorism, hatred and violence—and in support of humanity, peace, compassion and solidarity.
Twenty-five years have passed.
Their names remain.
We remember.
We honor.
We will never forget.
NEVER FORGET
September 11, 2001 — Forever in Our Hearts.
— Shah Group
With Deepest Respect, Remembrance and Love
