The world saw another extravaganza after 2008 Beijing Olympic’s jaw dropping inaugural ceremony marked with its amazing pyrotechnics. Beijing had set a very challenging standard for London, which London overcame, thanks to the creativity infused into the ceremony by filmmaker Danny Boyle and Bangladeshi-origin Akram Khan, who choreographed beautifully and touchingly the hymn Abide With Me. Almost one billion people of the world watched in awe as the heritage and culture of England unfolded in front of them. With the Queen’s declaration, the stadium lit up with rare show of fireworks. All of London on both sides of Thames and Tower Bridge lit up in a frenzy of colour and clamour of jubilation. While the hearts of every Britons were thumping wild in patriotic zeal, I could not help thinking about the plight of the poorer people of the world who are either fleeing an oppressive regime or are being hounded down by hunger and violence.
Notwithstanding the ignorance and competition of the first world to excel in spending on such pomp and fanfare, I was very happy to see the pivotal role of some Bangladeshi origins in the 30th London Olympic. I was also excited to learn that the venue is near Brick Lane, which is known as a Bangla town as it is home to a large Bangladesh community. It is so near to the city centre that the tourists and the athletes will have a chance to taste the excellent Bangla cuisine in the area. I am really proud to see our nationals participating in the Olympics. I hope that one day, we will walk proud and high in a larger number into the Olympic stadium.