MORE than 100 people in Southampton came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan today.

Due to the pandemic, the celebrations were cancelled last year. However, today the local residents got the opportunity to pay tribute to Bangladesh’s war heroes outside Southampton Guildhall. 

Southampton Bangladesh Association (SBA) organiser, Rashidul Syed Islam, said: "It is a time of reflection to think about those who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Bangladesh in the 1971 war.

"It is an opportunity for us to celebrate and a chance to remember those who fought and sacrificed their lives in the bloody war of independence.

 "The UK played a unique role in that both the government and the ex-pats living here helped to fight the cause and then to stabilise the independent country.

 "We would like to thank the councillors, especially councillor Toqeer Kateria of Bevois ward, and also the council officers for helping us to organise this event and thank all the members who have attended today to make this a wonderful event."

Following a flag-raising ceremony and reciting prayers, the residents enjoyed Asian sweets and other snacks. 

SBA organiser, Mansurur Rahman, said: "We hope this is the start of many events that SBA will be doing in the future. 

He later thanked all those who attended the event for showing the support of the Bangladeshi community in Southampton.