The Bangladesh High Commission in Canada celebrated Victory Day 2024 with a spirited program that highlighted the enduring contributions of Bangladeshi students and youths. The day-long commemoration underscored the importance of honoring the nation’s historic victories while embracing the aspirations of a new generation.
The festivities began in the morning with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at Bangladesh House by High Commissioner for Bangladesh to Canada Her Excellency Nahida Sobhan, accompanied by the national anthem. All Members of the High Commission joined this occasion.
Later in the day, a special discussion event at the High Commission Auditorium, presided over by the High Commissioner brought together Bangladeshi-Canadian diaspora members, Bangladeshi-origin students, and youth representatives.
The discussion opened with a moment of silence to honor the martyrs of the War of Independence and the recent July-August uprising. Officers of the High Commission read messages from the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Chief Adviser, and Hon’ble Foreign Adviser, followed by the screening of ‘Ganamukti Anibaryo’, a compelling documentary portraying Bangladesh’s fight for freedom and the transformative context of the July-August 2024 mass revolution.
In a powerful address, a student representative from the University of Ottawa Bangladeshi Students Association emphasized the pivotal role of students in the nation’s history. “From 1952 to 1971 and now in the July-August 2024 revolution, students have always led the charge for justice, equity, and progress,” they said. Their remarks resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the legacy of youth-driven movements in shaping Bangladesh’s future.
High Commissioner Nahida Sobhan, in her concluding remarks, extended warm congratulations to Bangladeshis in Canada on Victory Day. She reaffirmed the High Commission’s dedication to serving the diaspora and supporting Bangladeshi students in Canada. “Bangladesh’s students and migrants are vital to our nation’s progress. The High Commission will continue working to ensure opportunities for all and foster respect for Bangladesh on the global stage,” she said. She called for collective efforts to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs of the 1971 War of Independence and the 2024 mass revolution by building an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free future.
The celebration concluded with special prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs of both the Liberation War and the 2024 mass revolution, and for a peaceful and prosperous future for Bangladesh.