Bangladeshi expatriates in the Kingdom were urged to help accelerate the socio-economic developments of their motherland.
Bangladesh Ambassador Mohamed Shahidul Islam made this request on the 42nd anniversary celebrations of his country's Victory Day held at the embassy premises of the Bangladesh embassy in Riyadh yesterday .
“Our colleagues should work hard to enhance the image of Bangladesh in the Kingdom and also help contribute to the socio-economic development of their motherland,” Islam told the members of his community during a morning ceremony held here yesterday to mark Victory Day.
The day’s program included a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Islam.
Subsequently, messages from the country's president, prime minister and foreign minister were read out. The morning event was attended by more than 500 community members which included embassy officials, students and teachers of Bangladesh International Schools and representatives from organizations connected with Bangladesh in the Kingdom.
Islam paid tribute to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices to liberate the country. He paid his commendations to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and highlighted his legendary leadership in the Historic War of Liberation.
He also praised the statesmanship of Bangabandhu and his dedication to the development and well being of the country and its people. He also paid homage to the valiant freedom fighters.
“With a view to realizing the dreams of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we must unitedly contribute to the development of our nation ,” he said, recalling that Bangladesh has made significant progress during the last 41 years. “It has enough potential for further development,” he added.
The war for liberation that began on March 26, 1971 culminated in the victory of freedom fighters on December 16 of the same year. “Thus Bangladesh came into being as a sovereign and independent state around the globe,” the envoy noted.
He also expressed his deep appreciation to the expatriate community for their invaluable contribution to the their motherland as well as to the host country.
There are some 1.2 million Bangladeshis spread throughout the Kingdom, he noted.
The students of Bangladesh International School (English Section) in Riyadh also took part in singing patriotic songs during the event.
Around 20 prizes were distributed among the winners of the essay and art competition conducted to mark the day.
The cultural event that was to take place at the Bangladesh House yesterday was postponed to a later date because of inclement weather.
In Jeddah, Bangladesh Consul General Mohammed Nazmul Islam hoisted the country's national flag in the morning and hosted a cultural program at the consulate premises in the evening yesterday.
“Its a great day for us and we have to forge ahead to provide better service to our community,” Islam said.
The English Section of the Bangladesh International School will hold cultural programs organized by the boys' and girls' wings separately at the school premises on Monday. The wife of Bangladesh Ambassador Shahnaz Islam will be the chief guest at the function.
