Community leaders will be flying the flag of Bangladesh at the University of Northampton, to mark 55 years of independence in their homeland.
The event has been 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.
Dignitaries including special guest HM Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders-Watson and the Mayor of Northampton Cllr Jane Birch will be on hand on Sunday, 29 March to raise the flag of Bangladesh outside the Senate building and sing the national anthem.
Organiser, and NBBBC chairman, Cllr Naz Islam of Northampton Town Council said: “Raising our flag at such a prestigious venue, a beacon of education with a growing global reputation, means the world.
“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 guerilla war which resulted in the deaths of almost three million people. Their ultimate sacrifice paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today.
“Independence Day is a time for our community to come together and celebrate the achievements of our home nation.”
The flag-raising ceremony will begin at 1pm, to be followed by speeches and lunch in the Senate building.
NBBBC will be welcoming a special guest for the ceremony, with Alhaj M A Malek Khan – a wounded freedom fighter from the Bangladesh liberation war – flying in for the occasion.
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.”
Secretary Mohammed Mujibur Rahman added: “Our community continues to evolve and we all look forward to seeing what the next generation can achieve on the back of the success of our leaders, our innovators and our pioneers.”
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.
“We will be welcoming dignitaries to Northampton from all around UK as we celebrate the proud history and heritage of Bangladesh.”
