On Saturday, February 24th, the London Bangla School organized an art competition for children in celebration of International Mother Language Day. The event saw enthusiastic participation from Bangladeshi students residing in the UK.

Under the leadership of Anwar Shahjahan as chairman and with General Secretary Tariq Rahman presenting, the event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Amir Hossain, Membership Secretary of the Social Trust. Distinguished guests included Councilor Jahed Chowdhury, Speaker of Tower Hamlets Council; Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education Councilor Mayum Talukdar from Tower Hamlets Council; Councilor Rahima Rahman, Chair of Newham Council; Councilor Dona Lumsumden, Mayor of Barking and Dagenham Council, among others.

During the event, Headteacher Toswar Ali of London Bangla School expressed gratitude and stressed the significance of the occasion. Various community leaders and educators also delivered speeches, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting the Bengali language and culture among future generations.

Notable speakers included London Bangla School Headmaster Tchahoor Ali, Redbridge Council Councilor Faizur Rahman, Bangla School Teacher Professor Michba Kamal, Golapganj Upazila Social Trust UK founding member and board member Ruhul Amin Ruhel, Golapganj Upazila Education Trust UK General Secretary Abdul Basir, and Education Center Chairman Jamalur Rahman.

Anwar Shahjahan, Chairman of London Bangla School, highlighted the school’s efforts to educate the new generation about Bangladesh’s history, tradition, culture, and sacrifices made during the liberation war through Bengali language education.

Additional attendees included journalists Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Enam Chowdhury, and Nurunnabi Ali, poets Lutfun Nahar and Amir Khasru, and community organizer Sujay Mia.

The art competition featured 48 students aged 5 to 15 divided into two groups: Group A (ages 5 to 10) and Group B (ages 11 to 15). Winners included Taiba Chowdhury, Anahita Rida, and Jubayed Jahir in Group A, and Azhar Hossain, Aymanet Raha, and Tayyibah Shahjahan in Group B.

The event concluded with musical performances by students Hridoy Rahman and Hrishi Rahman, followed by the distribution of certificates and prizes among the participants and winners of the art competition.

The art competition was sponsored by Chan Mia Pineapple Garden, Dhakadakshin.