Rochdale marks 41st Independence Day of Bangladesh

The 41st Independence Day of Bangladesh has been marked in Rochdale.

A gathering took place in the Mayor’s parlour at the Town Hall, organised by the Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project (RBPP), who founded the 'Rochdale and Sylhet Friendship Link' in 2009.

Chairman, Keith Swift and Secretary, Mohammed Dobir Miah, conducted the event.

Those in attendance included the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Alan Godson, the Mayoress, Gillian Brown, councillors from all three parties and Simon Danczuk MP.

They joined alongside community members and BACP committee members for the flag raising.

Mohammed Dobir Miah, the secretary of Rochdale Bangladeshi Partnership Project, 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 41st Independence Day.

“I hope that British Bangladeshis 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 hope 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 on a young people’s heritage project and next year we will hold an exhibition on Bangladesh.”