University and community members filled the Education Auditorium Saturday afternoon in anticipation of the annual Bangladesh Night Cultural Show, and it did not disappoint. The evening was filled with vibrant costumes, exciting music, and numerous talented performers. The program celebrated the universal language of music and dance while immersing Laramie community members in Bangladeshi culture.
“It means a lot that in another country I can show my tradition and my culture,” said Nejeeba Hossain, a dancer who performed in the cultural show.
The evening began with a speech by UW President Dr. Ed Sidel. The President addressed the Bangladesh Students’ Association (BSA-UW), thanking the organization for their involvement in the community here in Laramie, and for enriching the UW campus while giving students a great experience getting to know multiple cultures.
Following President Sidel’s remarks, the BSA-UW Committee was introduced by BSA-UW Advisor and Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Plant Sciences, Dr. Anowar Islam. An introduction to Bangladesh was then presented by Rashid Ahmed, President of BSA-UW. The presentation featured a captivating Tribute to the 21st of February, Bangladesh’s International Mother Language Day.
The show progressed with a multitude of cultural dances and songs, beginning with a kid’s song. The stage was filled with dedicated children who proudly showed off their hard work, two of them children of fellow performer Faria Afrin. Afrin, who performed in the traditional Puppet Dance, expressed great joy and pride when discussing her experience performing with her children.
“It feels like it makes me complete that as a mother I’m also helping my children to be a part of my ethnicity and my culture by taking part in it and performing,” Afrin said.
The cultural performance was followed by the dining event held in the Yellowstone Ballroom where guests gathered to experience Bangladeshi Cuisine and music. The event was carefully planned and executed by all members of the Bangladeshi community here in Laramie.
“Apart from (the cultural show) we had a food and decoration committee, so the whole Bangladeshi community was involved to make this program successful,” said Afrin.
Bangladeshi community members came together to begin preparing months ago, working hard to ensure everything went as planned. Mayesha Samiha Khan, a member of the decorating committee spoke about the experience.
“I’m proud that the community comes together to put on such a huge event,” Mayesha Samiha Khan said. “It’s not just what you see in the cultural show, the whole operation outside is huge. Everyone has a job and they have to ensure that their job is done to make it as beautiful an event as it is.”
Though this time of year is busy for many involved in the planning and presentation of the event, everyone worked together to create the magical evening. Zuyairia Khan, a dancer who performed in the Girls Group Dance discussed her experience.
“We got together almost every weekend and some weekdays, and it was kind of hard because we’re mostly students,” Zuyairia Khan said. “We had deadlines and presentations but we still found time to do this because we like doing it so much.”
The event meant a great deal to everyone involved, as its celebration of Bangladeshi tradition and culture included community members who otherwise might not have had an opportunity to experience it.
“It’s a celebration of our tradition and our culture and putting it in front of others,” said Aysha Siddika. “Another thing I love is how it includes everybody. Like everybody enjoys being here.”
The event concluded with a well-earned DJ Party where everyone involved celebrated their hard work and the success of the event. Mayesha Samiha Khan shared a final sentiment expressing the value of her involvement with the organization.
“It feels like there is still Bangladesh in a part of me,” said Mayesha Samiha Khan, “I’m able to connect to my culture and that feels amazing to me. I have a sense of belonging here because I have such an amazing community.”
