Chattogram Festival 2026 Held in London, Seven Distinguished Figures Honoured

The 'Chattogram Festival 2026' has been held in London, United Kingdom, with the aim of introducing the new generation growing up abroad to Chattogram's history, heritage and culture, and of strengthening the bonds of harmony among expatriate Chattogram residents. The event featured a gathering of people from various spheres of Chattogram, cultural performances, and honours for distinguished figures who have contributed in different fields.

The festival was held on 1 November at the Mayfair venue in Romford, United Kingdom. Prominent figures from Chattogram's political, social, cultural and professional spheres took part.

A musical performance by Bangladeshi singer and Chattogram native Robi Chowdhury enlivened the cultural segment of the festival.

Guests at the festival included Gias Kader Chowdhury, MP for Chattogram-6, Enamul Haque, MP for Chattogram-12, and Abu Sufian, MP for Chattogram-9.

One of the main attractions of the event was honouring distinguished figures for their special contributions in various fields. The honourees were Mizanur Rahman, Mirza Salman Ispahani, Atiq Chowdhury, Kazi Abul Hossain, Robi Chowdhury, Mohammad Alamgir and Wajid Hossain Selim. They were honoured for their contributions to the development of Chattogram's history, heritage, culture, society and community.

Also present at the event were Md Manzur Kader, deputy in-charge of ATN Bangla in Chattogram, Monoar Hossain, festival committee convener Mohammad Ali Reza, Professor Nazim Uddin, Sujon Barua, Masudur Rahman, Jamal Uddin, Arshad Malek, Anupam Roy and others.

On behalf of the festival committee, Mohammad Ali Reza said the main purpose of the event was to present Chattogram's rich history, heritage, culture and glory on the international stage, alongside bringing expatriate Chattogram residents together on a common platform. Various work plans had been taken from the start to make the festival a success.

According to the organisers, the Chattogram Festival is not the initiative of any single person or institution; it is a reflection of the collective identity, heritage and pride of expatriate Chattogram residents. The festival will play a role in strengthening mutual ties among Chattogram residents living in the United Kingdom and Europe, establishing social harmony, and presenting their roots to the new generation.

The organisers do not want to limit themselves to cultural events alone. Their plans include creating opportunities for communication and exchange of views among businesspeople, entrepreneurs and professionals. At the same time, an initiative has been taken to bring various Chattogram-based social, cultural and community organisations working in the United Kingdom onto a common platform.

Those involved plan to hold the Chattogram Festival in future on a larger scale, at an open venue and with greater participation. At that event, they want to present with greater emphasis the traditional mejban and other elements of Chattogram's regional food, culture and heritage.