The 50th celebration of Bangladesh Independence Day was still effect in spirit in spite of coronavirus.
The traditional holiday commemorates the moment when Bangladesh broke free from Pakistan and became an independent nation. After a nine-month bloody liberation war, Bengalis finally gained the right to be called Bengalis freely.
Typically the holiday consists of fairs, speeches, ceremonies and feasts with traditional foods like rice, Tehari and Biryani.
The Bangladeshi American Community of Long Island (BACLI) is one of the few organizations on the island to celebrate the holiday.
“This organization established to create a network within the local community to help especially new immigrants find jobs, housing and introduce them to our new generation with our culture and traditions,” said Mohammed Zillur Rahman, the president of the organization.
Around this time last year, BACLI would be prepping at the Thai Cultural Center in Centereach, where traditional attire would be worn and performances would be given. This year, due to coronavirus, all major gatherings, on Long Island and Bangladesh, have been cancelled or postponed. But, flags were still hoisted high and prayers were still held at religious institutions with a limited amount of people.
Despite the outbreak, there are still ways to celebrate the holiday, so we wish everyone celebrating at home a happy Independence Day.
