Bangladesh Night 2020
Written and Photos by Emily Chian
@aumi_and_emily
Do you smell the tempting food and spices? See the colourful, flowy clothing? How about friendly people? This is Bangladeshi culture brought to us by the Saint Mary’s University Bangladeshi Student’s Society.
Many students, faculty, and community members attended the society’s Bangladeshi Night 2020 at the McNally Theatre Auditorium on February 15. It was an evening filled with Bangali music, songs and specialty dances performed by students who were excited to show off their talents. The food – basmati rice, beans, and spiced chicken - looked tasty and appetizing. The clothes worn by female students were beautiful; friends flocked to line up at the photo booth.
The Bangladeshi Student’s Society has been planning this event since last year and is now running its 6th year in a row. SMU has a large number of students from Bangladesh, but the Society welcomed all ethnicities and cultures from around the globe to join in the fun.
The Journal’s own Emily visited the event and interviewed SMUSA’s VP for Equity and Wellness, Kevin Mullen; Mohammed Woasi Anwar, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce; Mohammed Asif Faruq, a second-year Engineering student; and Cobore Onakpobereo, a Master of Applied Economics student.
Emily: Where did you hear about Bangladesh Night? What made you come?
Kevin: Since being at Saint Mary’s, [I know that] it’s one of the bigger events on campus towards the end of the year. And [I also heard about it] through Salma [the society’s president] and some of my other friends. They’re here [as] part of this society.
Mohammed Woasi: We’re participating because it is part of our culture. Because of that, we just wanted to help out . We don’t want to forget about our culture.
Mohammed Asif: [We like] letting other people know what our culture looks like. A bit of colour and everything.
Cobore: Luckily for me, I went to International Night and won a ticket for Bangladesh Night. They were giving out tickets so I was one of the only fortunate people who won the ticket. That’s why I’m here. Just to experience what is happening here.
Emily: What do you look forward to seeing or doing tonight?
Kevin: Definitely looking forward to the performances and the general atmosphere.
Mohammed Woasi: Tonight there’s going to be performances. People dancing, people singing.
Mohammed Asif: Definitely the food.
Mohammed Woasi: The good food.
Mohammed Asif: It’s going to be fun.
Mohammed Woasi: Just think it’s like a party.
Mohammed Asif: Just a formal celebration.
Cobore: I’m just here to see another culture because I came from Africa. So far, so good. I am enjoying myself.
Emily: What do you like most about Bangladesh culture?
Kevin: Lots. But definitely the food.
Mohammed Woasi The favourite thing about my culture is the food.
Mohammed Asif: Me too. The spicy food.
Mohammed Asif: Also, how the people care for each other. The affection that people show.
Mohammed Woasi: That’s one thing.
Mohammed Asif: I’m very excited.
Cobore: Most of my course mates are [from] Bangladesh. I’m here to see what they offer [...] I look forward to the wonderful dances and food.
Though it was Winter break and the month for midterms, around 120 people came to the theatre. The university’s president, Dr. Robert-Summarby, and the Nova Scotia Immigration Service, who sponsored the event, were present and gave a speech to welcome attendees.
In the spirit of Bangali culture, the room was filled with energy and people were having lots of fun. Towards the end, students took away new experiences and memories made here at SMU.
The interview has been edited for clarity.
