Councillor Abu Sultan and Labour Group Leader Sue Oliver welcomed the raising of the flag of Bangladesh outside Bedford Old Town Hall today (Friday 26th March) to commemorate 50 years of Bangladeshi independence.
Independence Day is a national holiday in Bangladesh. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan in the early hours of 26 March 1971 by the leader of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Councillor Abu Sultan said: “This is an historic & proud moment for the Bangladeshi community in Bedford as this is the first time the flag of Bangladesh will be raised at the Town Hall and Borough Hall. I’m so pleased we can have this gesture in support of this important anniversary. It would have been great to mark the occasion with a larger gathering and celebration, but we’ll wait until we can safely do so.”
Mohammad Yasin MP said: "To see the Bangladeshi flag raised at Borough Hall on the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence, is a wonderful recognition of the great Bangladeshi community we have here in Bedford. This is a day to celebrate the contribution of the community to Bedford and commemorate all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of Bangladesh and its citizens. I wish all those celebrating a happy Independence Day."