The new Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, on Sunday led celebrations as part of a special “Victory Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh” event in London.
The event, attended by hundreds of members of the British Bangladeshi diaspora, included the hoisting of the National Flag and observance of a minute’s silence and prayers in memory of the Martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971.
“This is a day of joy and celebration not only in Bangladesh but in India too,” said Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam, who was the Chief Guest of the event.
“The liberation of Bangladesh was an act of faith, which involved India’s support and struggle along with the people of Bangladesh. Many sacrifices were made in both countries and today we remember all those sacrifices,” she said.
Sunday marked the 48th Victory Day, which included celebrations around the world in honour of the 3 million people who sacrificed their lives to carve out an independent nation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971. The messages of President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, paying homage to the martyrs, were read out in London and the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was honoured as part of the musical and cultural performances.
Tasneem, who took charge at the High Commission of Bangladesh in the UK earlier this month, welcomed the start of her tenure with the high-profile celebration – held at Baden-Powel House, just a few steps away from the country’s mission in central London.