Ekushey Heritage Awards 2024
Edmonton, Alberta, February 12, 2024: In Edmonton, Canada, five people have been recognized for their contributions to volunteering in the community with the Ekushey Heritage Awards.
The Edmonton Heritage Festival is the world's largest three-day celebration of multiculturalism. The festival showcases cuisine, entertainment, interpretive diversity, materials, and crafts worldwide. Many cultural dance and folk music performances are held throughout the day, and there is no entrance fee to watch or enter. Participants will be able to purchase various foods prepared by the pavilion. The Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BESA) organized a virtual meeting on the evening of February 11 to discuss the pavilion and the celebration of International Mother Language Day. February 21 is International Mother Language Day, highlighting the critical celebration of the Edmonton Heritage Festival. The meeting was presided over by the president of BESA. Army Delwar Jahid, president of the North American Journalist Network, was present as the guest of honor. The meeting was discussed, among others, by Besar Ex-President Ahsan Ullah (Ronnie), Syfur Hasan (Newly Inducted Vice-President), Mrs. Anika Swathiproba, and Besar General Secretary Chamili Laskar (Pinky). Md. Lashkar announced the appointment of veteran freedom fighter Delwar Zahid as BHESA's advisor and this year's Ekushey Heritage Award nominees.
This year, it has been decided to award the 2024 Ekushey Heritage Award to the following leaders of the Bangladesh community in Edmonton:
- Anamur Rahman (Community Service)
- Sadiq Huda (Community Service)
- Syfur Hasan (Voluntary Activities)
- Ferdowsi Begum (Community Service)
- Nasima Mirza (Voluntary Activities)
Delwar Jahid, referring to the celebration of International Mother Language Day, said that BHESA is a part of Bangladesh's history abroad. He urged the community to unite and be aware of existing discrimination and racism.
I am happy to announce that The Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA), a registered non-profit organization in Alberta, will represent the Bangladesh Pavilion at the upcoming Edmonton Heritage Festival 2024.
HeritageFest is the number one event for a collection of Alberta-based cultural groups that come together each year to share history, music, dance, and food with the world. Participating country groups also provide songs, dances, crafts, and music. Besh manages the Bangladesh Pavilion in every phase. This has created a 'Bangladesh Corner' for us to explore Bangladesh in the diaspora.
The Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BESA) has been honoring outstanding individuals and organizations from the Alberta community through its Ekushey Heritage Awards since 2014. This annual recognition celebrates those significantly contributing to education, social work, and community service.
Open to all Albertans, the Ekushey Heritage Award recognizes individuals and groups that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving local communities. Candidates are selected through an executive meeting at BHESA, where their activities and contributions throughout the year are carefully reviewed and evaluated.
Annually, just before International Mother Language Day on February 21, BHESA officially announces the nominees for the Ekushey Heritage Award. The award ceremony is held during BHESA's next public program, where recipients are given honor medals to recognize their outstanding efforts. The award is not limited to one recipient and may be shown multiple times, reflecting the diverse and influential contributions of individuals and organizations across Alberta.
Speaking about the significance of the Ekushe Heritage Award, a BHESA's spokesperson said, "This award pays tribute to those who have dedicated themselves to uplift our community, embodying the spirit of unity and service. We are proud to recognize and celebrate their achievements. "
Through the Ekushe Heritage Award, BHESA aims to inspire others to engage in meaningful initiatives that contribute to the betterment of society, fostering a culture of generosity, compassion, and community involvement.
As BHESA continues its commitment to promoting cultural heritage and community engagement, the Ekushe Heritage Award stands as a testament to the profound impact of collective efforts in building a vibrant and inclusive society in Alberta.