I, Feroza B. Talukdar, am running for an Ad-Hoc Committee Membership in tomorrow's election. I am asking for your vote and support on 15th July. I am a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist with sub-specialization in Adolescent and Child Psychiatry. I got my M.B.B.S. degree from Dhaka Medical College. I worked briefly as a lecturer in Community Medicine at Dhaka Medical College.

I was born in Patuakhali. I worked as a Physician in different parts of the World including Bangladesh, Iran, and Sweden. I came to United States in 1981. In 1986, I visited Austin, when my husband came to present a paper in San Antonio. We both fell in love with this city. Later when my husband got an offer from Southwest Texas State University in their Finance Department, there was no dilemna to accept the position. I moved to Austin in 1989. Bangladeshi population in Austin has grown 6 to 7 times since I moved here. Most of the Bangladeshis are skilled persons working in Hi-Tech Environment. They bring with them diverse, and rich cultural background, heritage and skills.

We need an Association to Cultivate and Direct their Cultural, Religious, Humanitarian Enthusiasm.

My message is Simple:

1: Unity: First of All, I would like to see a United Austin. No matter what is our political views or affiliations or aspirations, we are here as brothers and sisters. We may have difference in views or opinions, we may argue to agree or disagree, but at the end of the day, we should respect each other. We should refrain from hurting each other emotionally, or psychologically. Austin is a home away home for all of us. It is one of the most beautiful city in the world. We have rooms for all and we can live in Peace and Harmony.

2. Constitution: If elected, I would like to work for a just and fair Constitution and its By-Laws that will comprise all Bangladesi Entities. I would like to receive as many feed-backs as possible from the whole community. I would like to see many volunteers who will share and give their ideas and thoughts and work side by side in the development process of the Constitution and its By-Laws. No one should feel that they are left out or their voice is not heard. I am a consensus builder.

As a Psychiatrist, I listen to people's problems and concerns and try to find a solution. As a team member, I will work to build a consensus and come up with a Constitution that will be acceptable to most Bangladeshis.

I am married to Dulal Talukdar an Adjunct Professor of Finance with affiliations to Texas State University and St. Edwards University. We have two sons Roni, (a doctor, training in Radiology) and Tonu (working for Dell Co.). Both are UT graduates. i.e. LONG HORNS.

As to the format, I will be indifferent to a modified Format A or modified Format B.

If I am elected, I will do my best to uphold your trust and confidence in me and do the job with fairness, integrity and honesty.

Respectfully Submitted.

Feroza B. Talukdar M.D.