Requirements not met
Your browser does not meet the minimum requirements of this website. Though you can continue browsing, some features may not be available to you.
Browser unsupported
Please note that our site has been optimized for a modern browser environment. You are using »an unsupported or outdated software«. We recommend that you perform a free upgrade to any of the following alternatives:
Using a browser that does not meet the minimum requirements for this site will likely cause portions of the site not to function properly.
Your browser either has JavaScript turned off or does not support JavaScript.
If you are unsure how to enable JavaScript in your browser, please visit wikiHow's »How to Turn on Javascript in Internet Browsers«.
Language / ভাষা:
International News
Vaisakhi Celebrated with Spirit and Tradition at Alberta Legislature
- Details
Vaisakhi Celebrated with Spirit and Tradition at Alberta Legislature
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.
Ambassador Harun Faces Threats Following Explosive Allegations Against Dr. Yunus
- Details
Ambassador Harun Faces Threats Following Explosive Allegations Against Dr. Yunus
Former Bangladeshi diplomat Mohammad Harun Al-Rashid has been intensely scrutinized after making explosive allegations against Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In a series of social media posts, Harun accused Dr. Yunus of orchestrating the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s elected government and establishing an oppressive regime. His statements have sparked outrage, leading to threats against him.
Harun, who previously served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Morocco, has been accused of failing to return to Dhaka after leaving his post, instead seeking refuge in Canada. His recent Facebook post, published on March 14, painted a grim picture of Bangladesh under Dr. Yunus’s leadership, accusing him of seizing power through violent means.
Allegations of a Forced Takeover
In his post, Harun alleged that a coordinated attack on August 5, 2024, led to Sheikh Hasina’s removal, describing it as "one of the darkest chapters" in Bangladesh’s history. He claimed that following this event, Dr. Yunus emerged as the de facto ruler, branding the alleged power shift as a "successful terrorist act that changed the nation overnight."
Harun further accused figures such as Pinaki Bhattacharya and Ilias Hossain of spreading extremist propaganda from abroad, specifically from France and the United States, to destabilize Bangladesh. He claimed these individuals played a role in fomenting unrest, allegedly targeting the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Claims of Persecution and Suppression
The former diplomat also asserted that under Dr. Yunus’s rule, Bangladesh’s secular identity had been systematically dismantled. He accused the new administration of enabling jihadist groups, persecuting minorities, and suppressing women’s rights. According to Harun, Sufi shrines, Hindu temples, and cultural landmarks have been destroyed under Yunus’s leadership, while extremist groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir and Al-Qaeda have gained influence.
Harun further alleged that members of extremist organizations had been appointed to key government positions, while others were allowed to form political parties. He claimed that his dismissal as ambassador to Morocco was orchestrated by pro-Yunus influencers, including YouTuber Zulkarnain Saer Samir, allegedly as retaliation for writing a book on Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.
Government Response and Rising Tensions
Harun’s allegations have intensified political tensions in Dhaka. Reports suggest that the interim government is preparing disciplinary measures against him for his public criticism and refusal to return to Bangladesh. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to finalize its response by March 14, though the exact nature of the action remains unclear.
Meanwhile, pro-Yunus supporters on social media have condemned Harun’s statements, with some calling for legal action against him. The situation has escalated to the point where Harun has reportedly faced threats, further complicating his status abroad.
A Career in Diplomacy Now in Question
A seasoned diplomat, Harun joined the Foreign Service in 2001 and has held key positions in Rome, Cairo, Mexico City, and Madrid. He later served as Deputy High Commissioner in Canada before he was appointed ambassador to Morocco. His recent statements, however, have placed him at the center of a growing political storm, raising questions about his future within Bangladesh’s diplomatic service.
As tensions mount, the international community is closely watching the unfolding situation, with concerns about its implications for Bangladesh’s political stability and diplomatic affairs.
Rethinking Political Change and Civil Unrest: Bangladesh on the Brink of Civil War
- Details
On August 5, the political landscape in Bangladesh changed dramatically, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly leaving the country with military support. Following her departure, a constitutionally illegitimate Advisory Council led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and backed by the military took control. A cabinet composed of student advisors was formed, marking a significant departure from the traditional governance structure.
Alberta Cultural Calendar Recognizes April 14 as Bengali New Year
- Details
Edmonton, Alberta (DEC News) The Alberta Parliament in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, became a vibrant hub of cultural exchange as it celebrated the Bengali New Year with dignity and enthusiasm on April 16, 2024
. The event marked a significant moment in Alberta’s cultural calendar, resonating with the rich traditions of Pohela Boishakh.
- 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
- Dr. Anwar Zahid
- Edmonton Oaths
- Motherlanguage Day in Canada
- Samajkantha News
- Step to Humanity Bangladesh