Bangladeshi Community Opens One of North America's Largest Muslim Cemeteries in New York

After overcoming years of challenges, the Bangladeshi community in New York has officially launched operations at the Scotchtown Bangladesh Cemetery, a Muslim burial ground expected to accommodate more than 100,000 graves.

Developed by the Greater Noakhali Society USA, the cemetery spans 126 acres in Scotchtown, Orange County, New York, and has been established in accordance with Islamic burial practices.

The cemetery held its first funeral and burial on Saturday for the late S.M. Amanat, an adviser to the Greater Noakhali Society USA. While the inaugural burial has taken place, official burial services for the public are scheduled to begin on July 1, cemetery authorities said, adding that all necessary equipment and preparations have already been completed.

According to the cemetery management, the project was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the shortage of Muslim burial spaces in the region. On December 16, 2024, the organization purchased the 126-acre property at 240 Connors Road, Scotchtown, entirely with cash.

Infrastructure development began on July 31, 2025, with plans to create more than 100,000 burial plots. In the first phase, 20,000 grave sites were prepared and allocated to 30 community organizations and institutions.

A second phase, expected to begin in August, will add 42,000 more burial plots and include the construction of two funeral homes, said ASM Main Uddin Pintu, secretary of the Greater Noakhali Society USA.

He emphasized that the cemetery is intended not only for people from the greater Noakhali region but for the entire Bangladeshi community and Muslims of all backgrounds.

To mark the launch of the cemetery, community leaders and representatives from organizations that have purchased burial plots gathered at the site on June 20 from New York City, Buffalo, and other cities. Following the funeral prayer and burial of S.M. Amanat, a community gathering was held.

Greater Noakhali Society USA President Zahid Mintu said all regulatory approvals for the project had been secured.

"We were inspired by the successful operation of other cemeteries, even those serving different faiths. Their experience helped us establish this cemetery," he said, adding that representatives from the Bangladesh Cemetery received professional training from other cemetery operators to ensure proper management of Islamic burial services.

Mintu said future plans include a full-service funeral home, an administrative building, a mosque, and separate rest facilities for men and women.

Jamal Uddin, co-treasurer of the Greater Noakhali Society USA and supervisor of burial operations, said all equipment and materials required for funeral services are in place.

"Our burial process will follow professional standards similar to those at Washington Memorial Park," he said.

The community reception marking the launch was chaired by former Greater Noakhali Society USA President Nazmul Hasan Manik and moderated by Secretary ASM Main Uddin Pintu. Quran recitation and prayers were led by Maulana Manzurul Karim.

Several community leaders, religious scholars, and representatives of Bangladeshi-American organizations attended the event and expressed their support for the project, which organizers described as a significant milestone in expanding burial services for the growing Muslim community in the United States.