The Bangladeshi-Canadian community in Ontario came together on Saturday in Toronto to celebrate Bangladeshi Heritage Month and International Women’s Day 2025 with a vibrant two-day event.
Progressive Action for Community Empowerment (PACE) and Toronto Theatre Folks, in collaboration with various community organizations, organized this year's celebration.
Ontario proudly recognizes Bangladeshi Heritage Month every March, honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
The event featured a diverse range of activities, including cultural performances, traditional dance, music, painting, and a special discussion on women’s issues.
Emamul Haque, executive director of PACE, emphasized the significance of the event, saying: "Our goal is to enrich, inspire, and energize the community while showcasing Bangladesh’s vibrant culture and heritage."
Her Excellency Nahida Sobhan, high commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada, and Tanjina Mirza, chief programs officer at Plan Canada, attended as guests of honor.
Before the cultural program commenced, High Commissioner Sobhan inaugurated an exhibition displaying Bangladeshi heritage items, including traditional attire (shari), handicrafts, rickshaws, baby taxis, kure ghar (thatched houses), dheki (a traditional rice-husking tool), bioscopes, domestic animals, and musical instruments.
The exhibition provided attendees with a vivid glimpse into Bangladesh’s rich cultural legacy.
People from all walks of life participated in the celebrations.
Among the performances, a group of Canadian-born children of Bangladeshi origin presented dance pieces reflecting wedding traditions and Bangladesh’s six seasons.
Renowned dance instructor Aruna Haider, alongside Prapti, delivered a compelling performance portraying the struggles women face in daily life.
The event also served as a platform to mark International Women’s Day 2025.
A thought-provoking rapid-fire discussion featured High Commissioner Nahida Sobhan and Tanjina Mirza, addressing key issues affecting women.
Tanjina Mirza emphasized the role of education in women's empowerment, saying: "Education gives women the power to dream and the determination to achieve their goals."
High Commissioner Sobhan called for collective efforts to combat societal biases, remarking: "Prejudices continue to create barriers for women. We must work together to eliminate these biases and build a more inclusive world."
Ontario is home to a vibrant Bangladeshi-Canadian community, which has made significant contributions to the province’s scientific, cultural, and political landscape.
Their continued efforts drive growth, prosperity, and innovation throughout the region.
Notable performers at the event included Ruptanu Sharma, Abdullah Al Mahmood, and Titu Ahmed, along with artists from Bachonik, Sukonya Nrityangon, and Geetanjali Dance Academy.
The event was coordinated by Noyon Hafiz, Mary Rashedin, Aruna Haider, Farzana Bindu, and Monir Zaman Raju.
This year’s Bangladeshi Heritage Month celebration successfully fostered cultural appreciation, community dialogue, and a shared commitment to gender equality.
Participants expressed their enthusiasm for continuing this annual tradition, with hopes of engaging even more members of the Bangladeshi-Canadian diaspora in the coming years.
