The High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa, Canada celebrated 'Victory Day-2023' on Saturday, with profound dignity and festive ambience, in a day-long program.
The proceedings of the day commenced at 9:30am with the hoisting of the national flag by His Excellency the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Khalilur Rahman with the rendition of the National Anthem. All officers and officials of the Mission were present during this flag-hoisting ceremony.
The second segment of the celebration began at 1am in the High Commission Auditorium. Freedom fighters living in Canada along with other Members of the Bangladeshi community attended the event. The event was chaired by His Excellency the High Commissioner.
At the beginning, a one-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his martyred family members, all the valiant freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and two hundred thousand women who lost their sanctity in our Great War of Independence.
Subsequently, the High Commissioner laid floral wreaths at the portrait of our Founding Father and Architect of Independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Following this, officers of the Mission read out special messages, marking the Victory Day given by the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Foreign Minister and Hon'ble Minister of State for Foreign Affairs received from MoFA, Dhaka.
This was followed by the broadcasting of a documentary highlighting the perspectives of the emergence of Bangladesh under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In his address as Chair of the event, the High Commissioner remembered Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his martyred family members and 30 lakhs martyred freedom fighters with deep respect.
He also conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes to all Bangladeshis residing in Canada on Victory Day. He emphasized that while celebrating Victory Day in December every year brings great joy and pride, commemorating it on Canadian soil is also tinged with deep sorrow due to the hosting of the convicted killer Nur Chowdhury, one of the main assassins of our Founding Father and other martyrs of l975, for past 28 years by the Canadian Government.
Referring to the documentary on Canada's continuing hosting of this heinous killer aired by Canadian public broadcaster, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on 17 November 2023, the High Commissioner highlighted this documentary's role in raising awareness among the Canadian public, policymakers, and legislators about the convicted killer Nur Chowdhury,s presence.
He expressed hope that the High Commission will be able to deploy all diplomatic machinery and other available tools at full scale after the upcoming Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh to deport this monstrous killer to face the verdict of the court.
In this regard, he stressed the necessary close coordination between the High Commission and relevant Ministries, departments and organizations of the Government of Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner urged vigilance from all Bangladeshis living at home and abroad against anti-Bangladesh forces who are orchestrating violence across the country under the plea of political program, especially in light of the upcoming National parliamentary Elections in Bangladesh.
He also urged everyone to work towards a secular Bangladesh following the fundamental spirit of our liberation war.
The event concluded with a festive cultural program featuring performances by Bangladeshi artists residing in Canada.
