A celebration event to mark 55 years of Bangladeshi independence saw more than 300 people take part in a flag-raising ceremony at the University of Northampton, with community champions handed awards to recognise their efforts.
Dignitaries, including chief guest HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders-Watson and the Mayor of Northampton Cllr Jane Birch, were on hand at the event, held on Sunday, 29 March, to raise the flag of Bangladesh outside the University’s Senate building and sing the national anthem.
The event was organised by the Northampton British Bangladeshi Business Chamber (NBBBC), a group originally set up during the COVID lockdown to help members cope with rising gas and electricity prices affecting businesses up and down the country.
Organiser, and NBBBC chairman, Cllr Naz Islam of Northampton Town Council said: “Bengali people fought for independence from East Pakistan and this liberation created the independent nation-state of Bangladesh. Independence was gained through a nine-month guerrilla war that resulted in the deaths of almost three million people. Their ultimate sacrifice paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today.
“To be able to welcome 300 people from right across the UK to Northampton was an incredible privilege, showcasing our hard work to connect the British Bangladeshi diaspora with the University of Northampton, promoting community cohesion and paving the way for societal progression.”
The ceremony saw special guest Alhaj M A Malek Khan, a wounded freedom fighter from the Bangladesh liberation war, fly in for the occasion, and he was honoured with the Lifetime Award, along with Prof Shahagir Bakth Faruk.
Former Mayor of Northampton, Dennis Merdith, was given the Community Champion award, while Omi Rahman of Tamarind restaurant in Wellingborough Road, Northampton was named the winner of the Young Businessman award.
Other award winners included Shelim Hussain MBE of Euro Foods Group who was recognised for his philanthropy work in the UK and Bangladesh, while Eyusuf Raja Chaudhury, the chairman of Corby Central Mosque, and Akik Miah of Northampton Bangladeshi Association were honoured for their community empowerment.
Guests at the ceremony included Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, Lee Barron, Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, Cllr Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for Housing and Communities at West Northamptonshire Council, Muzahid Khan MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and Oli Khan MBE, president of the Bangladesh Caterers Association, as well as representatives of Northamptonshire Police and the University of Northampton.
NBBBC Patron, Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, said: “British Bangladeshis have broken down boundaries to achieve so much. These achievements show that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
Vice Chairman Tipu Rahman said: “This is our fifth year of raising the flag of our homeland at the University of Northampton and we are grateful for the ongoing support of everyone at the beautiful Waterside campus as we celebrate the proud history and heritage of Bangladesh.”
