Thousands of Expatriate Bangladeshis Celebrate Victory in London

In a historic and jubilant event, thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis gathered in London's Altab Ali Park to celebrate the resignation and departure of Sheikh Hasina. The atmosphere was electric on Monday as men and women from various professions converged on the park’s Shaheed Minar premises, marking a momentous occasion with heartfelt joy and unity.

As the day unfolded, nearby Whitechapel Market saw a rush on sweet shops, with their stocks quickly depleted by the enthusiastic crowd. Attendees exchanged sweets and warm greetings, symbolizing the collective joy and solidarity felt among the community. The air was filled with the sounds of traditional country songs and powerful protest anthems, echoing the sentiments of the crowd.

Among the celebrants was Ashfaqur Rahman Shaon, who traveled from Gloucester, a city 100 miles away, to participate in the victory celebration. Shaon expressed his elation to Bengali Vogue, saying, "The students of Bangladesh have demonstrated that no dictator can hold power indefinitely through force. This victory belongs to the people of Bangladesh, across all classes and professions."

Monika Parveen, another attendee, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, "The end of the voterless dictatorship was achieved through the courageous actions of the students. The future of Bangladesh now belongs to its youth."

Shah Fairuz Faiza, a student at Sunderland University, also shared her thoughts on the uprising’s impact. "This mass movement by the students ensures that no one can claim Bangladesh as their personal domain. Future Bangladesh will be a place of equality and justice, free from discrimination," she asserted.

This spontaneous and heartfelt celebration in Altab Ali Park serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi diaspora. As they celebrate this victory, their hopes and dreams for a brighter, more equitable future for Bangladesh shine brightly.

For more insights and updates on the Bangladeshi community abroad, visit our National Community News page.