An Independence Day event, organized by the Bangladesh High Commission, took place at a venue in London on Friday.
It marked the first event hosted by the High Commission following the developments of August 5 in Bangladesh.
Among the attendees were Catherine West MP, a British Bangladeshi MP and journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan.
In addition to community journalists who had attended similar events during the Awami League’s tenure, members of the UK BNP and its affiliated parties, as well as some BNP-aligned professional leaders residing in the UK, were also present. However, no other prominent community figures were seen at the Friday event.
This was the first public gathering held during the tenure of the new High Commissioner, following the controversial departure of Muna Tasneem, who was removed during the Awami League government.
Reports suggest that, for the first time in seventeen years, invitations to the event were issued only after numerous requests were made to the London High Commission—similar to trends seen in other European countries.
Nearly a hundred individuals shared their personalized digital invitations on Facebook.
A controversial businessman—known for operating a work permit consultancy and for prominently displaying photos of Sheikh Hasina at his Whitechapel-based visa office—was also spotted at the event.
Interestingly, the large signboard featuring Sheikh Hasina’s photo was taken down overnight, shortly after her departure from Bangladesh.
Even during the Awami League’s tenure, the UK High Commission was often filled with party leaders and businessmen who showcased photos of influential figures they were affiliated with, including politically connected businessmen from Bangladesh.
At the event, which was organized to celebrate the 55th Independence Day of Bangladesh, High Commissioner Abida Islam called for continued support and cooperation from the British Bangladeshi community.