The granddaughter of Bangabandhu, Tulip Siddiq, and her husband Christian Saint John Percy want to give away all their wedding gifts to the street children of Bangladesh.
The newly-wed couple spoke of their desire at the reception ceremony held in UK on Sunday evening.
Chris said they have already spoken to an institution ‘Street Wise’ on it.
‘Street Wise’ provides education and takes care of street children in Bangladesh.
The reception was held at East London’s West Ham Impression Event Venue in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (aunt to Tulip), Sheikh Rehana (Tulip’s mother) and other family members and relatives.
The other guests included MPs and former British ministers such as Keith Vaz, Frank Dobson, Jim Fitzpatrick, Stephen Timms, Lynne Brown, Jermey Corbyn, Emily Thornberry and Bangladeshi-born Rushnara Ali.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and, leaders of UK Bangladeshi community were among the rest of the 350-odd guests.
Sheikh Rehana said the event was unostentatious, a typical Bengali wedding. She sought blessing from all for the couple.
Percy greeted the guests with ‘salam’ and grabbed the spotlight, announcing his full name, with the guests applauding the couple.
Then Tulip spoke.
“When my husband spoke in Bangla. I must speak in English.”
She greeted all present and specially thanked her aunt Sheikh Hasina for being able to attend the programme.
Sheikh Hasina sought blessing from all for the newly-wed couple. “I came because of Tulip’s wedding. Rehana is my only sister. I cannot stay away from her daughter’s wedding.”
All other children of Bangabandhu died during the violent Aug 1975 coup.
Rushnara Ali said Tulip had helped a lot with her campaign. “She is very close to me since then.” The British MP hoped for a bright future for the couple, calling Tulip her younger sister.
Tulip is a Labour Party activist.
Earlier, the guests were screened amidst strict security by police and personal guards.
Source: Bd news24