55th Victory Day of Bangladesh Celebrated in New York: Banishikha Sangeet Niketan Honors Freedom Fighters with Cultural Program and Pitha Festival
Progga News Desk:
Banishikha Sangeet Niketan Inc. organized a grand gathering in New York to commemorate the 55th Victory Day of Bangladesh, honoring veteran freedom fighters and reaffirming the commitment to pass on the spirit of the Liberation War to future generations. The event was held on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, Queens, and drew a large turnout of expatriate Bangladeshis, transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration of victory and heritage.
The program began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, followed by a one-minute silence in solemn remembrance of the three million martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Liberation War.
The event was hosted by recitation artist Munmun Saha. The Chief Guest, New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga (Assembly District 30), presented an honorary citation to Dr. Sabita Das, Founder President of Banishikha Sangeet Niketan, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community service. In his remarks, Assemblyman Raga praised Dr. Das’s role in preserving and promoting Bangladeshi culture in multicultural New York, noting that her efforts would be remembered for years to come. He also extended Victory Day greetings to the community.
Earlier in the program, freedom fighters Lablou Ansar, Abul Bashar Chunnu, and Rashed Ahmed were accorded a warm reception with floral tributes and red-and-green scarves, amid chants of “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”
As a tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters, artists of Banishikha Sangeet Niketan, led by Dr. Sabita Das, presented a choral musical performance highlighting the spirit of the Liberation War.
The discussion segment featured remarks from Mahiyuddin Dewan, Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Society; Engineer Mohammad Ali Siddiqui, a leader of the Awami League USA; community activist Mujahid Ansari; Awami League leader Humayun Ahmed Chowdhury; and Uttom Kumar Saha, Editor and Publisher of Progya News, among other distinguished speakers.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a traditional Bengali Pitha Festival, which was enjoyed by attendees of all ages. Despite challenging weather conditions, a large and diverse crowd filled the auditorium, which was adorned in red and green. Throughout the event, a strong emphasis was placed on educating younger generations about the history and values of the Liberation War.
The choral performance featured artists Debi Sarkar, Runa Roy, Mousumi Das, Mita Ghosh, Nandini Mridha, Mili Bosak, Dr. Sabita Das, Sultana Khanam, Ayesha Khan, Anamika Chand, Munmun Sen, Athora Ghosh, Dr. Ruma Chowdhury, Kamona Karmakar, Monika Das (1), Parijat Das, Souvit Roy Chowdhury, Sushil Sinha, Bula Afroz, Chomen Afroz, Monika Das (2), Sheila Roy, Joyshree Roy, Ratna Chand, Tapati Poddar, Anjali Sarkar, Priya Pal, Nargis Ahmed Shilu, Sabita Das (2), Seema Dutta, Ripa Dhar, Mohor Khan, Sanchita Das, Ajit Chand, and Arjun Das.
Certificates of appreciation were distributed to participating students, artists, and well-wishers by Assemblyman Steven Raga.
Among those in attendance were Assemblyman Steven Raga, Assemblyman David Ira Weprin (Assembly District 24), special guests Dr. Prabhat Chandra Das and Dr. Sarwarul Hasan, freedom fighters Rashed Ahmed, Lablou Ansar, and Abul Bashar Chunnu, M. S. Alam, President of the Dhaka University Alumni Association, writer Khan Shawkat, social organizer Khairul Islam Khokon, Nitai Pal, community activists Humayun Ahmed Chowdhury, Mujahid Ansari, Ajit Chandra, and Joyshree Roy, agriculturist Mizanur Rahman, organizer Nurul Islam Borshon, cultural personality and organizer Sabina Hai Urbi, and many others.
The event received extensive media coverage. Electronic media outlets included Channel i, Sonar Bangla Television, Meem TV, Bishwa Bangla 24, TBN 24, and Time Television. Print media coverage was provided by Weekly Thikana, Weekly Ajkal, Progya News, Weekly Jago Prohori, Weekly Bangali, Weekly Jonmobhumi, Weekly Bornomala, and Weekly Probash Patrika.
The celebration stood as a proud testament to the enduring legacy of Bangladesh’s Victory Day and the unwavering dedication of the diaspora to uphold the ideals of the Liberation War abroad.
