Rabi Syed, the president of Saipan City Taxi, which is among the groups that sponsored the celebration, said over 100 Bangleshi nationals living on Saipan were expected to attend the celebration at the Garapan Central Park at 7 last night.
In an interview prior to the celebration, Syed said the event would include a cultural presentation, fun shows, a dinner and a ceremony to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the people of what was formerly called Eastern Pakistan.
In Dec. 1971, the fight for freedom led by Sheik Majibur Rahman that had resulted in the death of about 100,000 East Pakistanis, paved the way for the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is now under the “caretaker” government of Dr. Sokruddin Ahmed.
“The main highlight of this celebration is the recognition of thousands of people who sacrificed their lives for the freedom that we are enjoying now,” Syed said.
To date, there are over 500 Bangladeshi nationals who work on Saipan, many of them are married to citizens of the Freely Associated States.
The Bangladeshi Cultural Group is headed by Rakibul Islam Pinto.
