THREE days of celebration will mark the 20th anniversary of the Bangladesh Association in Swindon and the 40th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh.

The event, which runs from March 25 to 28, will see the Bangladeshi flag over Swindon Council’s Civic Offices, the first time such an honour has been granted to any country outside the UK.

The Bangladesh Association was founded in 1992 by a small group of Bangladeshi people living in the town, and now has more than 2,000 members.

Celebrations begin at the Bangladesh Youth and Community Centre, in Gorse Hill, on March 25 from 12.15pm with official speeches, an exhibition and cultural display. An official souvenir guide is being produced for the occasion which will include messages from the Queen, and the Prime Ministers of the UK and Bangladesh.

The flag raising ceremony takes place on March 26.

For more information contact Enam Chowdhury on 07971 392430.