Texts by: Dr.Mesbahuddin Chowdhury, University of Canterbury
Bangladesh Society, a Student Association of Bangladeshi students, at University of Canterbury of New Zealand, celebrated Independence Day 2018 in a befitting way on their campus. Bangladesh Society celebrated the day by organising a cultural program that was moderated by Mr. Mrinmoy Maitra. Independence Day program commenced with the Bangladesh National anthem followed by a brief opening speech from Bangladesh Society President Dr. Mesbahuddin Chowdhury. After the opening speech, a documentary of 20 minutes was showed to the audience to provide a background history of Bangladesh independence. The documentary was followed by the songs of Ayrangzeb, Monali Alam, Moutushi Tanha on the theme of Independence Day. A poem was recited by a child named Toppa and a dance from another child artist Rayeeda. First part of the cultural program ends after these performances and then dinner was served. Bangladesh Society was very grateful to Nashrah Nahreen, Sharnali Atashi Tisi, Monali Alam, Moutushi Tanha, Serajis Salekin, Nazia Islam, and Pallabi Gosh for their contributions to prepare dinner for this program.
Second part of the cultural program started with the farewell of two Bangladesh Society members – Dr. Abdul Lahil Baki and Mrs. Nazia Islam. To make this part of the program more enjoyable, participants performed country songs, speech and poems. The program concluded by a duet melodious song by Sharnali Atashi Tisi and Isfaqur Rahman and a solo from Mr. MD Ayrangzeb. Bangladeshi current students and alumni from University of Canterbury and Bangladeshi expatriates from Christchurch participated in this Independence Day celebration program at University of Canterbury. Bangladesh Society invited two Mr. Rogers Vickers and Mrs. Sharley Vickers who are originally from Christchurch. They stated, “It was a great experience to be there. We got to know about the independence day of Bangladesh and what happened during the war, especially the history of becoming an independent country. We are very thankful for being invited.”