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How do we, the second generation of Bangladeshi Australians,
feel about Australia day? For us everyday is Australia day, whether we notice it
or not. Everyday we enjoy the crisp winters and the warm summers. We enjoy the
time spent here with our friends and family, the diverse experiences the country
has to offer and the rights to live life to the fullest. However today
www.priyoaustralia.com has given us the opportunity to express our appreciation
for this nation.
It was 1901 that the Federation of the Commonwealth of
Australia was commended. Then on January 26th 1946, all states and territories
joined together to celebrate ‘Australia day’; a day where we can celebrate
Australia as a country. Gradually Australia was not only the home for the
Aboriginals and the European settlers, but home for people from 100 different
countries of origin. Together they formed one multicultural nation, with each
new Australian having their own culture, values and skills to share.
Bangladesh is where our roots lie, and yes we are very proud
of being Bengali. However what makes us even prouder is that we also have the
Australian culture supporting us. We receive the opportunity to grasp the best
of both the Bangladeshi culture and the Australian culture. We are Australians
who understand and respect the Bangladeshi values that our parents have shown to
be so worthy.
Today priyoaustralia.com is presenting the appreciation
expressed by the young Bangladeshi community brought up in Australia. Boys and
girls from all over the country have contributed to this special issue, each
explaining in different ways what Australia means to them. We are Bangladeshi,
we are Australian… together we create a community with strong passion and
aspirations for this country we call home.
Happy Australia day!
Nabilah
Reza (Kishoree)
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While being in Bangladesh, I had an
opportunity to participate in a workshop where the lecturer was talking
about different cultures of different countries that are being carried
on over the years. Some acts or behaviour may be absolutely perfect for
one country and the same one may be taken negatively in some other
culture. That’s where cultural shock come into play. What the lecturer
was trying to tell us was … different countries and places have
different cultures and rules…and we shouldn’t put out finger into any
culture saying that this culture is good or that one is bad… instead, we
have to take the other culture as normally as we can…No single culture
is superior to the other ones…so, we shouldn’t compare cultures…rather
we better learn to accept the cultural differences.
I came in Australia in the middle of the
year 2004 as a post grad student. As soon as I came here, I started
loving this wonderful nation. It’s great to be in a place where you can
see people from different countries, different cities and different
backgrounds. It’s superb to be in a society that is built on fundamental
rights and responsibilities, freedom of thought and expression, respect
for and equality under the law.
It was really a great opportunity for
me to be a part of this special issue. The way the young
Bangladeshi-Australians participated and shown their enthusiasm was
simply outstanding. Kishoree made a tremendous effort to make the things
happening for us. Many thanks to her. Thanks to Manik bhai for his
charismatic endeavor once again. Thanks to Ronju for his special artwork
for our cover page. Thanks to all the parents of the participants. You
all deserve to be very proud parents.
Three cheers for Bangladeshi
Australians. Three cheers for the Australia Day. Let's re-commit to
making Australia an even better place for our future generation.
Murshed Haider (Anjohn)
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