RIYADH/JEDDAH, 27 March 2006 — The Bangladesh missions in Riyadh and Jeddah organized programs to mark their national day yesterday, with Ambassador Maj. Gen. (retd.) S.M. Ikramul Haque and Consul General Ashraf Uddin unfurling the national flag in Riyadh and Jeddah respectively.
Both read messages of the country’s President Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan, and offered special prayers for those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
Extending his greetings and felicitations to all his countrymen residing in the Kingdom, Haque urged them to continue to contribute toward nation-building activities.
“Your sincere efforts can help your countrymen face the challenges of globalization in the 21st century and rapidly move toward the cherished goal of attaining peace, progress and prosperity,” he said.
The ambassador and the consul general hosted receptions later in the evening, which was attended by local officials, businessmen and diplomats.
Bangladesh International School (English Section) in Riyadh and its both English and Bengali sections in Jeddah organized cultural programs to mark the occasion.
At the Riyadh school, Dr. Shah Alam, vice resident of its board of management, said the cultural show put up by children demonstrated the country’s rich traditions.
At the Jeddah school, students competed for prizes in various events. Boys’ section winners received prizes from the consul general.