Bangladesh Independence Day

West London Bangladeshi Association (WLBA) held their first cultural event on Monday 25th April 2011 at Barnhill Community Centre.

The purpose of this event was to celebrate the 26th March 1971 known as Bangladesh’s Independence Day.

2011 marks the 40th anniversary of this event and this programme is about remembering those that struggled for independence and celebrating their success.

This event was open to all those based and located in or around West London. Approximately 300-400 people attended the event which was more than expected.

The event began with a brief introduction by President Mr. Mozamil Ali to provide some background information of this event and the main objectives of West London Bangladeshi Association.

The event also included some special guest speakers that introduced some bankground of this independence day and also reminded ourselves of our Bangladeshi root. The following are the guest speakers that attended the event:

• Mr. Abu Musa Hasan (Former Press Minister of Bangladesh)
• Mr. Anwar Chowdhury (Former British High Commissioner to Bangladesh)
• Dr. M. Sayeedur Rahman Khan (Bangladesh High Commissioner)

Some children presented poems and stories of Bangladesh which brought back some memories of our own childhood. They were later presented with gifts by Mr. Anwar Chowdhury & Dr. M. Sayeedur Rahman Khan.

The event ended with a live music performance by Mrs Rushanara Moni and her team. The live music performance was very impressive and so exciting that Mr. Anwar Chowdhury entered the stage to join the performers.

His singing talent almost matched the singers themselves. It was great to see him having fun and enjoying this event, he should have been a singer!

Please see below some images from the event.