Bangladesh- American Society of Greater Houston Celebrated Victory Day 2014

Bangladesh in1By Anik Sarkar

HOUSTON: Bangladesh American Society of Greater Houston (BASGH) celebrated the 44th Victory day on Saturday, December 13, with elaborate programs to pay deep homage to the 30 lakh martyrs who laid down their lives for the country. On this day in 1971, Pakistani occupation forces surrendered after a nine-month war resulting in free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh. In one of the worst genocides in contemporary history, the Pakistan army aided by their local collaborators killed nearly three million people, mostly unarmed civilians, in the nine months following the crackdown on March 25 night. In the evening, People from different social groups thronged the National Mausoleum to pay homage to the heroes of the Liberation War.

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BASGH have chalked out a vibrant cultural programs, recitation, drama etc to tribute their heroes who laid down their lives and made supreme sacrifices to establish a new country-BANGLADESH. This event was unequivocally reflected the diversity and cultural richness of Houston, as well as the USA. The program began with rendition of the national anthem of Bangladesh and USA. President of BASGH, Imtiaz Ahmed Pavel delivered his welcome speech at the beginning and inaugurated the program.

The first section was an annual general meeting. After that kids aged between 6 to 13 with colorful attire were all gathered by the side of the stage in a disciplined manner and presented a wonderful program with different spirited patriotic group songs like ‘Shurjo doey tumi’, ‘Polash dhaka kokil daka’ etc. It was very encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the young budding performers who were performing with great gusto. Smita, Purnata, Puspita, Sedra, Shawon, Tithi, Maisha, Polin, Arita, Gronti, Prionti, Tinni, Sharoni, Shyon, Rafid participated in this session. The second segment was a group song sung by senior artists. They also performed a series of patriotic songs ‘Ek nodi rokto periye’, ‘Ekti bangladesh.’ In this group Banani, Jolly, Munni, Mina, Bithi, Rowsan, Rupa, Dolon, Hafiz, Raj, Maqsud, Mohuddin participated. The third sessions was two group dances by Sedra, Smita, Tithi, Maisha, Purnaota, Anonnya, Puspita, Polin and a solo dance by Shawon. These were wonderful performances; audience enjoyed and loved these dances. These dances were choreographed by Modhumita, Shawon and Sunan. A series of solo rendition patriotic numbers were presented by Hafiz, Mohuddin, Raj, Maqsud, Banani, Rekha and Mukul.

The program ended with a short drama-‘Paer Awaz Pawa Jai’ written by Syed Shamshul Haq and directed by Ali Tareque. The excellent acting with appropriate background audio-visual effects was really a wonderful experience which was presented by Bangladesh Theater Houston. Kiron and Reaz on audio-visual/slide projection, Manna on stage decoration, Mahabub, Sohel, Monju, Arifin, Touhid and Tutul on stage management, Rob on photography, Moazzem on table and Rupa on Music. The entire event was eloquently emceed by Shebly and Jolly.

Audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening with scrumptious dinner and mesmerizing music. Finally the president of BASGH thanked all volunteers, sponsors, artists, and well-wishers for coming and successful the 44th Victory day program.