India Post News Service

Los Angeles: Bangladeshi Angelenos turned up in droves to celebrate the 2nd Bangladesh Day celebration organized by the Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles (BUFLA) which was formed on June 4. The Parade is already an official event recognized by the City of Los Angeles as well as by the Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh and is an event which will take place every year on the Sunday following the 26th of March, the day on which it officially declared its Independence in 1971.

Independence came to Bangladesh in December 1971 when the Indian Army led by Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora overran Pakistani defenses in a lightning campaign lasting barely two weeks. Over 90,000 Pakistanis were taken prisoners.

The event was spread over the weekend of March 29 and 30 at Shatto Park in the city starting with the opening ceremony held on Saturday afternoon at which the flags of Bangladesh, the USA and BUFLA were hoisted. The dignitaries who spoke at the function were the Consul General Md Abu Zafar, the chief guest Dr Atiq Rahman, well known scientist who had flown in specially for the event and the President of BUFLA Mahbub Khan.

This was followed by a children's picture drawing and Bengali recitation competition while parallel business sessions were held discussing how those of the community living in the US can help their country of origin and what Bangladeshis have contributed to the world. As the shadows of the evening starting creeping up an entertainment program reflecting the cultural heritage of Bangladesh got under way and continued till 10 pm.

The highlight of the proceedings on Sunday was the grand parade at which an unprecedented 46 establishments participated extending over several city blocks. Dressed in colorful outfits, men and women of all ages joined in the procession which was led by the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums Band and the American and Bangladesh flags were seen fluttering in the cool breeze as bearers waved them above their heads and on the sides of motor cycles accompanying the marchers.

The impressive parade of unity meandered through Shatto Place, Vermont Avenue and 6th streets before returning to the Park. For the parade sections of the streets were blocked to traffic so the Bangladeshis could demonstrate their joy without restraint.

The grand marshal at the parade was Chief Lee Baca of the LA Sherrif's Department who declared it open after he and Consul General Md Abu Zafar had hoisted their respective national flags and the anthems were played. In a brief statement Lee Baca congratulated all Bangladeshis present and complimented them on being great contributors to the US and reiterated the freedom and laws that America offers its citizens are there to serve them.

There were other speakers who paid glowing tributes to India and the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, sailors and aviators for the sake of Bangla Desh's independence. The parade was coordinated by Major Kutubi who headed the contingent of several veteran "Freedom Fighters". On their return from the parade, participants and spectators availed the refreshments from a number of stalls set up on the periphery of the park serving both Bangladeshi delicacies and American style fast food like pizza. They also had an opportunity to do some shopping for wearing apparel, Dish networks etc at rebate prices.

The evening business segment was brief with the Consul General Md Abu Zafar and LA City Council member Tom Labonge making a few remarks. The Consul General said he was working with Labonge to honor Beatle George Harrison who had organized a concert in support of Bangladesh in 1971. He was also hoping to have Dhaka declared a sister city of LA and to have a section of the city designated as Little Bangladesh.

The highlight of Sunday's cultural program was a sparkling two hour performance by the renowned singer Mumtaz Begum who enthralled the evening crowd which by then had grown to a few thousand, filling the square to its corners. Speaking to the media, Consul General Md Abu Zafar said it was a great day for the around 70,000 Bangladeshis living in California. The event he added showcased Bangladeshi culture and traditions. Bangladeshis, he declared proudly, have added a new dimension and enriched the LA County by introducing a unique element of cultural diversity.

The President of BUFLA Mahbub Khan expressed great happiness in that over 60 Bangladeshi organizations in Los Angeles were joining forces in celebrating its Independence Day to express solidarity and unity, and in promoting Bangladesh in front of mainstream America and place on display its success and prosperity.

Chief Guest Dr Atiq Rahman, Executive Director for Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies said he had come all the way from Dhaka for the event because he was deeply moved in that so many groups of Bangladeshis could pull themselves together in a show of unity and would want to hear something on the frontier of knowledge and what is going on in their native country.

He wished to convey a hopeful picture of the country and while admitting there are many things which are wrong with Bangladesh there are also many things which are right and in which it leads the world. It was this message of optimism that he brings with him which he hoped would inspire confidence among the younger generations in their motherland.