When Maminul Haque greets friends, he uses the Bangla "Kamon aachen!" When he is hungry, he drops by one of numerous Bangladeshi eateries for a plate of curry -- more spicy than the Indian version, devotees agree.
Although he is standing in the heart of Koreatown, he and many other Bangladeshi Americans say the name does not reflect all its inhabitants. Now, the community is seeking recognition of its own "Little Bangladesh" within the area west of downtown popularly known as Koreatown.
The proposal has angered longtime residents who have worked hard to promote the district as a Korean cultural destination and economic hub. City officials, meanwhile, worry that neither side is taking into account the full diversity of an area that is also home to many Latinos and Thai Americans, among others.
More than a name is at stake. Although largely symbolic, the recognition afforded by a special district designation can help establish a community within the cultural mosaic of Southern California, said Hamid Khan, executive director of the nonprofit South Asian Network. When noted on maps and street signs, it can also attract visitors and help local business.
When Margaret Ko moved to Los Angeles from Korea more than 30 years ago, Koreatown was not the mass of restaurants, stores and yogurt shops it is today. Over the years, the 65-year-old has proudly watched the community -- and its stature -- grow.
"It means power," she said as she hemmed a pair of pants inside the dry cleaners where she's worked for a decade. "Koreatown is already established. . . . Why can't they find another place?"
Next door at Meghna grocery, Mohammad Islam rang up orders of piping hot chicken and goat curry. The store is a gathering place for Bangladeshi immigrants who come to socialize, read a newspaper written in Bangla or watch soap operas filmed in their homeland. Islam, 26, said that although his family's business is flanked by Korean-owned stores, it would be nice if the Bangladeshi community was recognized.
"Most people don't know who we are, they know us as Indians," he said. "Maybe people should try to share a little bit."
In the ever-shifting Southern California ethnic landscape, turf tussles are not uncommon as new populations move into areas of long-settled residents.
