UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : The 46^thanniversary of the Glorious Victory Day of Bangladesh was celebrated at the Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York in a befitting manner. The programme included, among others, hoisting of the national flag with national anthem at the Chancery at 9:30 am on 16 December 2017 by Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, Consul General of Bangladesh in New York, reading out of the messages of the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion, observance of one minute silence and offering special prayer for the salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his martyred family members and continued progress and prosperity of the country. The second part of the celebration included discussion-cum-cultural function held at the Auditorium of the Consulate General at 6:30pm on the same day. A video documentary on the glorious life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the War of Liberation was screened at the beginning. In his welcome remarks, Consul General Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, paid glowing tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, martyrs, women who were subjected to inhuman treatment, freedom fighters national four leaders and foreign friends whose sacrifices and support led the country to the final victory. He urged the Bangladesh diaspora to come forward to realize the dream of “Sonar Bangla” envisioned by the Father of the Nation and to implement “Digital Bangladesh” under the dynamic leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While citing the recent suspected act of terror by an expatriate national in Manhattan, H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN in his speech called upon to remain alert at home and abroad about extremist and communal elements, who are trying to derail the country from its secular credentials. Hon’ble Jane E. Williams-Warren, Mayor of Paterson City, New Jersey attended the program. In her remarks, the Mayor congratulated all Bangladesh nationals while informing that her city has the second largest concentration of Bangladesh nationals in USA after New York City. Elected Bangladeshi-American Councilman of Paterson City Mr. Shahin Khalique was also present. Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Awami League US Chapter and Ms. Daisy Sarwar, Panel Mayor, Dhaka North City Corporation were, present and spoke on the occasion, among others.Stellar performance by the artists who comprised Consulate family and members of the diaspora enthralled the audience. Artists from New York-based Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) performed dance. Valiant freedom fighter and noted singer Mr. Tajul Imam rendered patriotic songs at the event which captivated the audience. Freedom fighters, political leaders, journalists, representatives of various social and cultural organizations, officers and officials of the Consulate and the Permanent Mission, among others, were in attendance. The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.In a related development, Hon’ble Jane E. Williams-Warren, Mayor of Paterson City, New Jersey along with the Consul General in New York jointly raised the national flag of Bangladesh on the Victory Day with the presence of US high officials including Councilmen and Assembly members in front of City Hall (Mayor’s Office) as a mark of respect to Bangladesh. This is a unique gesture shown each year since introduced in 2009 in a foreign land for the sacrifices made for the victory of Bangladesh. The Mayor also issued a Proclamation in recognition of the Day which was read out and handed over at the discussion segment at the Consulate General.