Muhi Mikdad

TOWER BRIDGE, that iconic symbol of East London, turned red and green last Thursday, 16th December. The bridge was lit up in the colours of the Bangladeshi flag to mark the 50th anniversary of “Victory Day” in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

The illuminations were organised by the City of London Corporation, following a proposal made by Councilman Munsur Ali. They began at sunset and marked an end to a long list of celebrations which had taken place throughout 2021 to commemorate the victory of the Bangladesh forces over the Pakistani forces in the long battle for independence.

The event brought out public figures from across East London.  Rushanara Ali MP said, “On this Golden Jubilee, we remembered all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in the War of Independence. We are forever indebted to them.”

Councilman Munsur Ali said, “It was pleasure and honour for me to light up Tower Bridge red and green. I extend my heartiest greetings and congratulations to the countrymen on the occasion of Bangladesh 50th Victory Day.”

Tower Hamlets Council Speaker Cllr Ahbab Hossain, a guest at the ceremony, said, “I am delighted to  see the illumination of the most important building in the history.”

Earlier this year, on 26th March, the iconic London Eye also was lit up to mark the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence – as, later in the year, was the Canary Wharf Group’s headquarters. Further buildings around the UK and beyond have also been illuminated in red and green during the year, including Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Central Library, Manchester Central Library, St George’s Town Hall, Northampton University, Cardiff Castle and City Hall, Toronto. The Bangladesh flag was raised at Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel.

Back at Tower Hill there was a reception at the top of Tower Bridge for guests invited by the City of London to celebrate this golden anniversary of Bangladesh’s Victory Day.

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