Edmonton, Alberta | December 16, 2025 (BHESA): Shaheed Intellectuals Day (December 14) and the 55th Great Victory Day of Bangladesh were observed with due solemnity at the ACT Aquatic & Recreation Centre in Roundel Park, Edmonton.
The program paid tribute to the martyred teachers, students, journalists, intellectuals, and public servants who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971. It also commemorated December 16, 1971—the day the Bengali nation achieved its ultimate victory after nine months of a bloody armed struggle, culminating in the surrender of the occupying Pakistani forces and the birth of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh founded on four core principles: democracy, socialism, secularism, and nationalism.
Recalling the political continuum of the Liberation War—from the Language Movement of 1952 to the Six-Point Movement of 1966, the Eleven-Point Movement of 1969, and the historic election of 1970—the chief guest, Bir Muktijoddha Delwar Jahid, founding executive member of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Canada Unit and President of the North American Journalists Network, highlighted the sacrifices of the leaders of the Provisional Government, sector commanders, freedom fighters, and the persecuted mothers and sisters of the nation.
The event was presided over by Saifur Hasan, President of the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BESA). Among those present were Engineer Kabir Hossain, journalist Md. Ismail, Haidar Jan Chowdhury, automotive technician, Tanvir Hasan, Shakil Ahmed, Ryhana Rasmin, women representatives, Sonia Akter, Selina Islam, Ayesha Parvin, Shiuli Begum, Rima Begum, Sabira Hasan, Osheneya, and others.
In his address, the chief guest stated that while the sacrifices of the martyrs constitute a glorious chapter in the nation’s history, they have been politicized and remain contested. He warned that attempts are being made to undermine the dignity of martyrs’ families before the new generation by distorting the history of atrocities committed by the Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators—Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams—and that those backing such efforts are now calling for civil conflict within the country.
Mr. Jahid urged families and educational institutions to actively cultivate patriotism, historical consciousness, and a sense of responsibility toward the true history of the Liberation War among children and adolescents.
On behalf of BESA, new immigrants were formally welcomed to Edmonton, with a call for unity and organization within the community. An open discussion followed, with participation from artist Tamim Hossain, Montasir Mamun, and Md. Jamal Uddin, Md. Rais Uddin, Sultan Russell, and Saifur Hasan.
During the meeting, a five-member executive committee was formed to reorganize and strengthen the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta:
President: Sultan Russell; Vice President: Md. Jamal Uddin; Secretary: Md. Rahis Uddin; Treasurer: Montasir Mamun; Ex-Officio: S. Hasan.
The chief guest introduced the newly elected officers. Mr. Jahid, along with Saifur Hasan and Sultan Russell, distributed Victory Day gifts among children and adolescents.
The event concluded with the serving of traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, which all attendees warmly appreciated.
