CELEBRATIONS to mark Bangladesh Independence Day and the Bangla New Year were held in Southampton.

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Dr Sayeedur Rahman Khan, the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Terry Matthews, and Southampton Itchen MP John Denham were among those who attended the event at Mount Pleasant School.

Southampton Bangladesh Society (SBS) organised the celebrations, which included patriotic poems, songs and dances.

A SBS spokesman said: “The High Commissioner praised the SBS for introducing Bangali events to Southampton and hoped that this initiative would continue. The mayor expressed his interest in the enchanting cultural performance of the local children, who emphasised the Bangla tradition and culture, and hoped it would help maintain and grow a multi-cultural society in Southampton.

“Mr Denham acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi people in the development of the city in various ways.”