RIYADH, 3 September 2003 — Riyadh Mohanagar Awami Parishad, a leading Bangladeshi Welfare Organization, gave a warm farewell to Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, chief adviser of the parishad and a prominent economist working as adviser at the Saudi Investment and Development Fund (SIDF) who is leaving the Kingdom for his home in Boston, US.
The recent farewell was held in appreciation of the services rendered to the local Bangladesh community by Dr. Momen, a former Harvard University professor and president of the Boston-based humanitarian organization Women and Children International. The party was attended by distinguished persons and leaders of the Bangladesh community.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Niaz Mohammad Khan, Awami Parishad president. Prominent among the attendees were Syed Anisur Rahman, acting president of the Bangabandhu Parishad; Dr. Manzurul Islam, professor, King Saud University; Dr. Mujibul Haque, medical director of Al-lmam Hospital, Awami Parishad Vice President Kazi Gousul Alam, Jasimuddin Ahmed Nanna, Joint Secretary Abul Basher Mridah, Nasiruddin Mohd. Sarwar and Saifuddin Ahmed. Other guests of honor included Engineer Mezbahuddin Jowher and Dewan Abdul Baset, prominent litterateurs in the Bangladeshi community.
The meeting was conducted by Kazi Mohshin Salim, general secretary of the parishad and Mollah Mohd. Ishaq, organizing secretary of the parishad read the formal letter of farewell on behalf of the parishad.
Highlighting different events in the colorful life of Dr. Momen, especially his relentless efforts for the cause of humanity, speakers expressed regret that he was leaving the Kingdom. They paid homage to his uncompromising struggle against social evils and for his help to the poor and the distressed. They said the social vacuum Dr. Momen leaves in the Bangladeshi community in Riyadh will be hard to fill.
In his reply, Dr. Momen recalled the happy years he spent in the Kingdom and the work he could do for Bangladeshis in cooperation with the community and the parishad members. He advised the community to follow strictly the path of truth. He said he would continue to be committed to the welfare of Bangladeshis. Traditional Bangladeshi food was served at the end of the meeting.