Rochdale marks 42nd Bangladesh Independence Day

Flag raising to mark the 42nd Bangladesh Independence Day

The 42nd independence day of Bangladesh was marked by the Bangladesh flag being raised outside the Rochdale Town Hall.

The flag was raised by the Mayor Cllr James Gartside, followed by a gathering in the Mayor’s parlour.

Keith Swift welcomed everyone to the gathering and Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project (RBPP) Co-ordinator Mohammed Dobir Miah conducted the event and gave a brief history of the Bangladesh Independence.

Mohammed Dobir Miah said: “I pay homage to all the departed souls who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our beloved motherland that we know today as Bangladesh – may they rest in peace.

"On the occasion of the 42nd Independence Day, I wish all Bangladeshi’s in Rochdale and around the world the very best wishes on behalf of RBPP/BACP.

"I hope that British Bangladeshi’s are able to learn and understand their identity and roots.

"I’m really impressed that we are attracting a diverse audience and I welcome everyone including members of the indigenous community.

"The RBPP hopes to exchange and foster mutual understanding between British Bangladeshis and indeed other communities. We hope to showcase the history, tradition and culture to the people of Rochdale. We are currently working with young people on a heritage project and later this year we will hold an exhibition on Bangladesh.

"I also urge calm amongst British Bangladeshis during the current volatile situation in Bangladesh and ask all to remain united as they are all ambassadors of our borough of Rochdale and Bangladesh.”

The Mayor of Rochdale Councillor James Gartside and the Mayoress Councillor Jane Gartside were the chief guests. Those present included councillors from all three parties on Rochdale Council, and community members including Muhibur Rahman (Chairman of BACP), BACP Board of Directors (past and present) Kuaz Ali, Abul Kalam, Saiful Siddique, Syed Janu Miah, Abdul Basith, Habibul Ahad (Manager of BACP), members of RBPP and Sajjad Miah (RBPP Secretary).

The Mayor thanked BACP and RBPP for arranging the flag raising and to RBPP for organising the gathering and providing refreshments. He also expressed his appreciation of the contributions made by the Bangladeshi community in Rochdale.