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Bangladeshi culture blooms
By Jay Corn
The eighth annual Bangladesh Night took place. For the near 600 in attendance it was a chance to be exposed to a culture rich in history and tradition.
President of the Bangladesh Student Association M.S. Anowar said that the night's intent was two- fold.
"This cultural night's theme is unity and cultural diversity. We want people to see that different people with different religious and cultural backgrounds can live together in the same country in peace," Anowar said. "At the same time, we want to share our home with the student body. Through sharing music, dance and information, we want to expose people to Bangladesh's rich culture and history, and I'm happy that so many people came out to see the show that everybody A-to-Z worked so hard to put together."
Anowar went on to say that until Saturday, a total of 150 tickets had been sold. That figure, he said, sky-rocketed in the 24 hours leading up to the show. In that time, an estimated 350-400 tickets were sold, many to walk-in guests such as SCSU students Frank Kessler and Michelle Hartmann.
"I was just in Atwood, and my buddy asked if I wanted to go. I invited Michelle, and here we are," Kessler told University Chronicle over a hot plate of chicken curry, daal, pita bread and mango juice.
"I've been to a few different cultural nights, and it doesn't surprise me that so many people showed up," Kessler said. "Everyone knows there's good food and entertainment, and I personally like the cultural experience of being exposed to other people's homelands."
For many, the biggest draw of the night was the traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. All of the food was purchased, prepared and cooked by members of the Bangladesh Student Organization. Despite worries, there was plenty to go around.
"The mango juice was really good. I can't say I've ever had anything quite like it before, and I'm going to try and take some home with me," said junior Rebecca Van Exter. "Everything I've tried has been excellent, and it's really amazing how much food these guys had to cook for all these people. I really give them all a lot of credit."
More than 70 SCSU students are from Bangladesh, and according to Anowar, many intend to return home upon completing their degrees.
Located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh is slightly smaller than the state of Iowa. The country came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of the country floods annually during the monsoon season, hampering economic development.
However, recent studies conducted by the U.N. classify this nation as 'on the rise.'
Most of the country's 138 million people live below the poverty line, but the country boasts one of the highest college education rates per capita in the Asian world. That is due in part to Bangladeshi students, like the 70 who attend SCSU, who receive an education abroad and return home to benefit their country.
Speaking on behalf of SCSU, Vice President for Student Life and Development Nathan Church told the crowd why cultural nights are important to both the university and the community.
"There hasn't been a time in history when nights like this have been more important," Church said. "Cultural diversity is a key to diplomatic solutions, and SCSU as a whole has made a commitment to cultural education in an effort to better teach our students the benefits of cultural diversity. Through education, the university hopes to spread a message of peace and global unity, at the same time providing a diverse learning environment in which all enjoy the benefits of a conducive learning environment."
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