A discussion meeting marking Bangladesh’s Great Independence and National Day was held in the French capital Paris, bringing together members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community in a vibrant expression of national pride, historical reflection, and commitment to national development.
The event took place on Sunday evening at a restaurant in the Gare du Nord area of Gare du Nord, organised by the social organisation “Bangladeshi Citizen Council France” Bangladeshi Citizen Council France. The gathering attracted community leaders, professionals, and business figures, reflecting strong engagement among expatriate Bangladeshis in civic and cultural initiatives abroad.
The programme began with the recitation of verses from religious scriptures, followed by special prayers seeking eternal peace for the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh Bangladesh Liberation War. The solemn opening set a reflective tone for the discussions that followed.
The session was chaired by organisation president Abul Khayer Laskar and conducted by general secretary Muhammad Ibrahim Bhuiyan. Speakers at the event included prominent members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, who delivered in-depth reflections on the history of the independence struggle, the significance of national sovereignty, and the continuing responsibilities of expatriates in nation-building.
They emphasised that the Liberation War of 1971 laid the foundation of the Bangladeshi identity through a nine-month-long struggle marked by immense sacrifice. Independence, they noted, was not only territorial liberation but also the aspiration to build a democratic, equitable, and just society.
Speakers further observed that although Bangladesh has made significant progress over the past five decades, challenges remain in fully realising the ideals of the Liberation War. They stressed the importance of ensuring that younger generations, particularly those living abroad, remain connected to the authentic history of the nation.
A number of distinguished guests and community representatives attended the meeting. Their details are summarised below:
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Abul Khayer Laskar | President, Bangladeshi Citizen Council France |
| Muhammad Ibrahim Bhuiyan | General Secretary |
| Monowar Patwary | Joint Convener, NCP France Expatriate Wing |
| Tanvir Wadud | Executive Member |
| Shahidul Islam | Vice President |
| Zakir Hossain | Expatriate Businessman |
In his concluding remarks, President Abul Khayer Laskar stated that independence is not merely the attainment of a national map, but a broader guarantee of economic dignity, social justice, and freedom of expression. He urged expatriate Bangladeshis to strengthen unity and contribute more actively to national development and democratic values.
The speakers collectively expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to expand in scope, serving as a platform to inspire patriotism, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen solidarity among Bangladeshis living abroad. The meeting concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity, and continued progress for Bangladesh.