Bangladeshi Heritage Day – Saturday 18th April 2026
Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO), in proud partnership with iLearn Bedford, was delighted to deliver Bangladeshi Heritage Day 2026, a vibrant community celebration marking the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Held in Bedford town centre under the inspiring theme of Asha (আশা), meaning Hope, the event brought together residents, families, performers, artists, dignitaries and community leaders for a day of reflection, celebration and unity.
Bangladesh declared independence on 26 March 1971, beginning a journey shaped by resilience, sacrifice and determination. This year’s event honoured that historic milestone while celebrating the contributions, aspirations and cultural richness of Bedford’s Bangladeshi community today.
The day featured a lively programme of cultural performances, traditional music and dance, community reflections, artisan crafts, delicious cuisine and moments of remembrance. It was a joyful and meaningful opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the diversity that makes Bedford unique.
Spotlight on Artist Mo Rahman
As part of the celebration, QPCO’s Back to Our Roots programme commissioned artist Mo Rahman to lead a series of creative workshops with children at Queen’s Park Academy, The Welcoming Space and Kings Oak Primary.
The workshops encouraged children to explore the native birds of Bangladesh through art and storytelling. Using recycled magazines, decorative papers, coloured pencils and pens, participants created vibrant collage bird artworks while learning to write the birds’ names in both English and Bengali.
Each child’s contribution formed part of a large collaborative community mural, proudly displayed during Heritage Day. The exhibition also featured Mo Rahman’s own original artworks, exploring his personal heritage, identity and cultural reflections.
Together, the children’s work and Mo’s paintings created a powerful visual celebration of connection between past, present and future generations.
Strengthening Community Through Heritage
Bangladeshi Heritage Day was more than a cultural event. It was an opportunity to strengthen community connections, amplify community voices and celebrate shared pride across Bedford.
Delivered through our Back to Our Roots campaign, the celebration reflects QPCO’s ongoing mission to honour the histories, cultures and stories that shape our town today.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered and supported this special day, and to our partners at iLearn Bedford for helping make the celebration such a success.
Together, we continue building a more connected, inclusive and proud Bedford community.
