Camden marks 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence
Camden will mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh with an event in partnership with the Bangladesh High Commission.
The Independence Day of Bangladesh, which is on 26 March, commemorates the country's declaration of independence in 1971.
The event, which is taking place tomorrow evening at the British Museum, will celebrate the 50th year of Bangladesh’s independence and will include speeches from the Mayor of London, community leaders, cross-party elected officials, delegates, and members of the British Bangladeshi communities in Camden and across London.
Dance performances, musical recitals and artwork produced by the Bangladeshi community will also take place, as well as an exhibition to celebrate the history and contributions of the Bangladeshi community in the UK.
H.E. Saida Muna Tasneem, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, said: “It is a great privilege for Bangladesh High Commission London to be partnering the ‘Bangladesh 50’ commemorative event at the iconic British Museum with London’s most diverse and culturally vibrant Camden Council to mark the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence coinciding with the birth centenary of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
“We take pride in the achievements and contributions of our enterprising British Bangladeshi community in Camden. We look forward to showcasing at the British Museum the history of our independence and our progressive, secular, and inclusive Bengali culture and heritage that defines today’s prosperous and resilient Bangladesh at 50.”
Cllr Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People, Equalities and Cohesion said: “We in Camden are honoured to mark the Bangladesh 50th Independence milestone in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission and the British Museum - and we do so in solidarity with all our communities. Camden is one of the most diverse areas in the country which is one of our greatest strengths, and we are proud of the contributions our British Bangladeshi community has made in making the borough the vibrant and exciting place it is today.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted that we are honouring and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence in the spectacular surroundings of the British Museum. Over the last half century, Bangladeshi Londoners have made – and continue to make – a hugely positive contribution to our society, economy and culture. I can only see that beneficial impact on our city increasing over the next 50 years as the ties between our two countries strengthen further.”
The golden jubilee of the Independence Day of Bangladesh was in March 2021, however due to the pandemic, the event was rescheduled to take place this year.