RIYADH/JEDDAH, 17 December 2005 — Bangladeshi expats across Saudi Arabia celebrated the 34th anniversary of their Victory Day yesterday.
Bangladesh Ambassador Maj. Gen. (retired) Ikramul Haque called on the members of the Bangladeshi community to help the government in nation-building efforts.
Speaking at a ceremony at the embassy’s premises Haque said expatriates should emulate the examples of their ancestors and make concerted efforts to build their motherland.
The government has undertaken a number of development programs that need the cooperation of all Bangladeshis living in and outside the country, he stressed.
Prominent Bangladeshis, officials from the country’s airlines and schools were present at the ceremony.
Haque quoted Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as saying Bangladesh could successfully face the challenges of globalization in the 21st century and rapidly move toward the cherished goal of attaining peace, progress and prosperity.
The Bangladesh International School (English Section) will hold a special cultural program to mark the event today.
In Jeddah, Consul General Ashraf Uddin hoisted the national flag to mark the event at the consulate and read messages from President Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan, who urged the community to continue to help build the image of the country abroad. The consul general urged the community to remain united and work for the prosperity of their own country and the country of their residence.
The consul general was the chief guest at another similar celebration that followed at Bangladesh International School (Bengali/English section).
Meanwhile, about 55,000 Haj pilgrims are on their way from Bangladesh for the annual pilgrimage. “We’ve an agreement for 60,000 pilgrims, but we expect the number to fall short by 5,000,” the consul general told Arab News on the sidelines of the celebrations.
“The incoming pilgrims will, however, be about 12,000 more than during the last Haj season,” he said, adding that this time all of the country’s pilgrims were being flown by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Until last year, Saudi Arabian Airlines shared the transport arrangements of Bangladesh pilgrims.
