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International News
Vaisakhi Celebrated with Spirit and Tradition at Alberta Legislature
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Edmonton, April 15, 2025 — The halls of Alberta’s Legislature Building were filled with vibrant color, music, and spirit today as Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, hosted a special Vaisakhi celebration at the historic Rotunda at 11:45 a.m. The event drew community leaders, cultural groups, and elected officials together to recognize this significant festival for the Sikh community and other South Asian cultures.
In a gesture of unity and celebration, Speaker Cooper opened the Legislative session later that afternoon by acknowledging the Vaisakhi ceremony and recognizing guests who participated earlier in the day. Addressing the Assembly, he said, “Happy Vaisakhi to everyone,” before inviting distinguished guests in the gallery to rise and be acknowledged with the Assembly’s warm welcome.
Among the honored guests were Dr. Amit Kumar, Lipika Choudhury, Puneet Manchanda, Ilona Maitra, Rajeev Mittal, Harjeet Singh, and Delwar Jahid, Bangladesh origin an eminent journalist reflecting the diversity and community involvement that the event embodied.
A highlight of the celebration was the performance by the Gurukul Dance Studio of Calgary, whose members led the singing of the anthem at the Rotunda event. Their graceful presentation set the tone for a morning steeped in heritage and harmony.
During the session, MLA Mr. Singh (Calgary-East) proudly introduced members of the Sarb Akal Society of Calgary, a group deeply rooted in cultural preservation and community service, led by Mr. Harjeet Singh. Their presence at the Legislature underscored the importance of acknowledging and uplifting cultural identities within public service and civic pride.
Members from various constituencies also took part in the day’s celebration, introducing school groups and community organizations, all of whom received heartfelt welcomes from the Assembly. MLA Ms. Lovely (Camrose) shared her admiration for the young performers from Gurukul, while MLA Mr. Stephan highlighted the contributions of the YYC Society, and MLA Ms. de Jonge welcomed community leaders and families from Chestermere who attended the Vaisakhi ceremony.
The formal session began with the Speaker’s opening prayer, invoking guidance and wisdom for all in positions of leadership — a sentiment echoing the values of service and humility celebrated during Vaisakhi.
As the Legislative Assembly continued with its regular proceedings, the spirit of the morning’s celebration lingered — a testament to Alberta’s commitment to cultural inclusion and recognition of its richly diverse population.
Vaisakhi, which marks the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa in 1699, is a time of joy, reflection, and community service. Today’s event at the Alberta Legislature served not only as a celebration of that legacy but also as a reminder of the strength found in multiculturalism and shared values.
Protecting Bangladesh's Future: Prioritizing Child Welfare to Eliminate Labor Exploitation
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In a concerted effort to shield Bangladesh's children from the hardships of manual labor and secure their future, the government is urged to prioritize critical initiatives. These include bolstering social security provisions, promoting alternative economic opportunities, ensuring universal access to education and
healthcare, and facilitating micro-financing options for former child laborers. These efforts draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and reflect Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and compassion, ensuring every child's chance to thrive in a
labor-free environment.
Delwar Jahid, President of Bangabandhu Research and Development Institute and the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Command Council Canada Unit and a senior faculty member, conveyed these sentiments during his inaugural address at a recent virtual seminar organized jointly by the Bangabandhu Research and
Development Institute (BRDI) and Step to Humanity Bangladesh in Central Alberta on June 29, 2024.
Keynote speaker Nasima Akhter, former director of the Bangladesh Rural Development Academy and an expert in women's and children's sociology, emphasized the urgent need to redefine childhood in the context of Bangladesh. She highlighted critical issues such as malnutrition and reproductive health affecting
young girls while also stressing the importance of addressing family conflicts that disrupt children's lives.
The seminar featured notable figures such as Dr. Anwar Zahid, former registrar of Comilla Britannia University and ex-director of the Bangladesh Rural Development Academy; Dr. Kamrul Hasan, son of the martyred intellectual Sadiq and former academy director; Dr. Ashraful Arif, Assistant Professor at Exim.
Bank Agricultural University Bangladesh; Khairul Ahsan Manik, Vice President of Step to Humanity Bangladesh and Senior Journalist at UNB; Shirin Ferdosi, Senior Teacher; Kora Hasan Ivana, Child Officer; Shamsul Habib, Journalist; and Moshiur Rahman, Vice President of the Bangabandhu Research and Development Institute, among others, present Syfur Hasan and Ashrar Jahid.
Dr. Anwar Zahid provided insights into Bangladesh's National Child Policy of 1994, the National Action Plan of 2005, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 2006. Dr. Kamrul Hasan explored the historical context of post-war Bangladesh, highlighting its ongoing struggles with child labor and its alignment with capitalist exploitation.
Speakers collectively underscored the economic dynamics influencing child labor, with poverty identified as a central root cause. The seminar served as a pivotal platform for robust dialogue on safeguarding Bangladesh's children from labor exploitation, reaffirming the nation's dedication to building an
equitable and prosperous society in line with the principles of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
40 migrants die off Italy as Europe faces 'worst crisis since WWII'
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ROME, Aug 16, 2015 (BSS/AFP) - At least 40 migrants died in the hold of a boat off Italy Saturday as the EU struggled to cope with "the worst refugee crisis since World War II", with thousands making dangerous crossings to reach Italy and Greece.
"Operation under way... many migrants saved. At least 40 dead," the Italian navy said on Twitter, while the Corriere della Sera newspaper said those who died were found in the hold of the vessel, apparently having suffocated below deck.
Kerry to meet Palestinian negotiator in London talks
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LONDON, Dec 16, 2014 (BSS/AFP)- Top US diplomat John Kerry meets chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat Tuesday hoping to avert a diplomatic crisis over a UN bid to force Israel to withdraw from Palestinian land.
- Additional Resources:
- Additional Resources:
- Agro-Ocean
- Asian News and Views
- Bangabandhu Development and Research Institute
- Bangladesh North American Journalists Network
- Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA)
- Coastal 19
- Delwar Jahid's Biography
- Diverse Edmonton
- Doinik Ekattorer Chetona
- Dr. Anwar Zahid
- Edmonton Oaths
- Motherlanguage Day in Canada
- Step to Humanity Bangladesh
