RIYADH, 27 March 2007 — Bangladeshis in the Kingdom celebrated yesterday the anniversary of their country’s independence.
Two major functions at the country’s embassy in Riyadh and the consulate general in Jeddah marked the occasion.
Ambassador Ikramul Haque hoisted the country’s flag at the embassy in Riyadh as part of the ceremony attended by embassy officials, staff and students of Bangladeshi schools, officials from the Biman Airlines and a large number of community members.
Messages from President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and Foreign Affairs Adviser Ifthekar Ahmed Chowdhury were read. In their messages, the leaders recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters for the country. They called on Bangladeshis living abroad to work for the country’s development, progress and prosperity.
Haque hosted a reception in the evening at Tuwaiq Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and community members.
Students at the Bangladesh International School (English Section) in Riyadh celebrated the day with cultural programs.
The school’s principal, Mohammad Shaheed Mohammed Hussein, unfurled the country’s flag at a special event in the morning where students sang patriotic songs and presented folk dances.
In Jeddah, Consul General Ali Akbar hoisted the national flag at a function in the consulate general. Speaking on the occasion, he paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the country.
The consul general distributed awards to the winners of the National Day competitions in oratory, essay writing and drawing among Bangladeshi schoolchildren in the Western Province.
In the evening, the consul general hosted a reception in Holiday Inn where OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was the guest of honor while the chief guest was Ambassador Mohammad Bin Ahmed Tayeb, director general, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah region.
