The Bangladesh High Commission in Canada celebrated Bengali New Year-1430 with much enthusiasm on June 11.

The programme was held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission.

The event was chaired by the High Commissioner, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and attended by Chandra Arya, Member of the House of Commons, as well as officials of the High Commission and prominent members of the Bangladeshi community living in Canada.

In his welcome speech, High Commissioner Dr. Khalilur Rahman emphasised the non-communal traditions of Bengali culture.

He highlighted the significance of UNESCO's recognition of the Mangal Shobhajatra as an intangible cultural heritage of mankind.

This recognition, achieved through the diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has added a new dimension to the celebration of Bengali New Year, he said.

The High Commissioner also said that Pahela Boishakh serves as a powerful antidote to religious extremism and bigotry.

By embracing the diversity of our society, we send a clear message that unity and tolerance triumph over division. The festival fosters an inclusive environment where people of different faiths come together to celebrate shared heritage, he said.

The High Commissioner also emphasised that Bangladesh's journey has not always been smooth. Following the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, the basic principles of the freedom struggle were challenged. "However, we are fortunate that the people of Bangladesh have elected Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has guided our nation back to the path of our values. Under her leadership, our journey of independence and development has progressed. It is during her tenure that festivals like Mangal processions and Pahela Boishakh are being celebrated abroad with enthusiasm and active participation from our diaspora community," said the High Commissioner.

Following the welcome speech, the High Commissioner invited the guests to participate in a symbolic Mangal Shobhajatra.

Chandra Arya, Member of the House of Commons of Canada, commended the political stability of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which has contributed to the remarkable economic growth of the country over the past decade. He also praised the efforts of the High Commission in promoting Bangla culture and heritage in Canada. In particular, he acknowledged the High Commissioner for his outstanding diplomatic endeavours and regular engagement with policymakers, which have contributed to the sustained economic growth of Bangladesh.

Arya highlighted the High Commissioner's active involvement in advocating for the recently passed Bill C-47 by the House of Commons of Canada, extending the Least Developed Country Tariff (LDCT) and General Preferential Tariff (GPT) until December 2034.

Renowned Bangladeshi singer Tapan Chowdhury performed at the event, and there were cultural performances by Bangladeshi Canadian artists, officials of the Mission, and their children. The event concluded with a feast to serve traditional Bangladeshi cuisine prepared by the mission's families.