JEDDAH, 16 January 2004 — Social and cultural organizations of Bangladeshi expats celebrated their country’s victory day in Jeddah recently.
Brihattar Sylhet Samity (BSS) held a function to mark the country’s 33rd victory day and Eid reunion at a function presided over by BSS President Kawsar Chowdhury.
Those present included Murtahin Billah, chief adviser and the guest of honor, and Mohammed Akkas Miah, the chief guest.
Children took part in the recitation of the Qur’an and rendered patriotic poems. Prizes were distributed to the winners and participants. A discussion on the victory day later saw speakers recalling the sacrifices of leaders who laid down their lives for the cause of Bangladesh. The role of Sylhetis came in for special mention.
In the second event, the Expatriates Union of Jeddah celebrated the victory day that coincided with the union’s 10th anniversary meeting. Expatriates from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan attended the event. President of the Union, Rafiqul Hoque Chowdhury, Neamat Ullah Halim, Abdul Nur and Ibrahim Khalil spoke on the occasion.
Ashraful Hoque, who was the chief guest, urged expats to unite and follow the law of the land. He urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure that the Haj pilgrims coming from Dhaka are not subjected to harassment by Bangladeshi airport staff. A cultural program was held to mark the anniversary celebrations. The union elected its new executive body, which includes Abdul Nur, secretary; Neamat Ullah Halim, finance secretary; Abdullah Kamal, cultural secretary; Ibrahim Khalil, organizing secretary; and Siddiqur Rahman, PR secretary.