On 16th December 2021, I was on the glass walkways of Tower Bridge celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s victory and independence or Bijoy Dibosh. Tower Bridge was illuminated red and green for the evening to remember and celebrate with the British Bangla diaspora.

History doesn’t speak for itself it relies on people to be present, to listen, to bear witness and then retell the story over and over again.

Because when we do that we honour the people who paid with their lives, their dignity and yet managed to pass on their hope.

On November the 5th I sat at the top of my Sussex garden with my mum and I asked her what she thought of all the beautiful fireworks going off in my hometown.

She said the sounds reminded her of the liberation war when she was just a child. She remembered hiding in a trench with her sisters and sharing what little food they had under the cover of banana leaves and a kerosene lamp.

One of those sisters, my khala, prematurely passed away just a few weeks ago. My khala experienced significant trauma, related mental health struggles, all her life.

We as a family never discussed the cause of her trauma but I know that inequality, injustice and shame are the locks that bind our lips.

As we celebrate Bijoy dibosh and as a daughter of Bangladesh. I must recognise specifically the women of war the Birongona.

I am here today because they suffered and strived and so they are my symbol of hope.

I was born in a tiny earth and bamboo home in Sylhet and I was made in the city of London. I thank my luck and ancestors for carving a path that allows me the privilege of freedom of choice

And in Rupi Kaur words…

’I hope that our grandmothers are indeed howling with laughter, huddled around a mud stove in the afterlife. Sipping on steaming glasses of milky masala chai.’

Today we bared witness and we remembered. I invite you to retell this story so that we continue to strengthen the British Bangla bond. So that we have the courage to speak up when we witness injustice and so that we heal and grow together.

(Saree worn in photos is a Bangla lipi mul cotton)

Poppy Jaman, OBE - Co-Founder of Re-Balance & CEO of City Mental Health Alliance

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