In Riyadh, Ambassador M. Fazlul Karim hoisted the country’s flag before a large gathering of community members. Besides embassy officials, staff, students and directors of the board of management of the two International Bangladesh schools in the capital, officials from Biman Airlines and prominent community members were present at the flag-hoisting ceremony.

The morning event included a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and the reading of messages issued by President Mohamed Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Hasina Wajed and Foreign Minister Dipu Moni.

In their messages, the leaders of the nation recalled with gratitude the sacrifices made by thousands of people for the sake of their country.

Paying tributes to the freedom fighters who toiled for an independent nation, Ambassador Karim said Bangladeshis should renew their commitment and bolster efforts to build a better nation where people could live in peace and prosperity.

“Freedom should be translated into economic independence,” the envoy stressed.

The envoy appealed to the members of his community to be responsible in their workplaces and be loyal to their sponsors in order to bring a good name to the country. “Your behavior in the Kingdom will project the right image of the country,” he said. 

Karim and his wife Sharmin Akter will host a reception to mark the event at the Tuwaiq Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter on Monday.