Bangladesh Independence Day program in Canberra
Bangladesh High Commission organized a reception on the occasion of 38th Independence & National Day of Bangladesh in Canberra. Acting High Commissioner Mr. Restadul Islam spoke on the occasion Mr. Nazrul Islam, Counsellor of the High Commission conducted the program. Deputy Chief of Protocol at DFAT Mr. Colin Hill was the Guest of Honor and also spoke at the reception. Both Bangladesh and Australian National anthems were played at the reception. Mr. Restadul Islam recalled the contribution of freedom fighters who sacrificed there lives for the independence of Bangladesh and also paid his tribute to late Mr W S A Ouderland BP, an Australian citizen and only recipient of Gallantry award Bir Protik for his contribution to our liberation war. He also mentioned our nation is proud of the glorious past and is confident to build the country free from poverty and corruption to achieve our dream Bangladesh for which millions of people sacrificed there lives.
The program was attended by members of the diplomatic missions in Australia, representatives from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Defense, different Australian government organizations, parliament, judiciary, university, other walks of society and Bangladesh Community.
In Canberra Bangladesh Association is organizing a Soccer match to mark the Independence Day on 30 March. Bangla Radio also organized special radio program to mark the independent day.
Ouderland memorial committee organized a month-long Film festival “Itihash Kotha Koi", Book Fair & Photo Exhibition, discussion program to focus true history of Bangladesh liberation movement and the glorious past of our nation to local Australian & Bangladesh Community. Full-length featured films and important documentaries based on Liberation war are being shown during the Film festival in different parts of Canberra & Queanbeyan. Two shows have already been held in Canberra. Next show will be held on 29 March in Queanbeyan.
PriyoAustralia Web portal based in Canberra is also observing the occasion by publishing Articles, news and also by joining as media partner of the month-long film festival organized by Ouderland memorial committee. Bangladesh community and other popular Media in major cities have also organized different programs to celebrate the occasion.
A report by Kamrul Ahsan Khan, Australia
