Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammed Shahidul Islam urged his countrymen on Friday to remain united and make concerted efforts for the socio-economic development of the nation.

The envoy was addressing community members at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh on Friday evening to observe the National Mourning Day with due solemnity to pay tributes to Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was martyred along with members of his family on Aug. 15 1975.

The ambassador urged the members of his community to uphold the image of the country and to obey the rules and regulations of the host country.

“The leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inspired the people to fight for the independence of Bangladesh,” said the envoy.

Bangabandhu united the entire country and prepared us for 1971, he said.

“We got Bangladesh in 1971 due to his charismatic leadership. Bangabandhu showed his magnanimity and courage to govern the war ravaged country for three years and eight months only toward further progress.”

The national flag had been hoisted at half-mast on the day.

Embassy officials and members of the Bangladesh community living in Riyadh were also present.

The Riyadh Central Awami League and Bangbandhu Foundation of Saudi Arabia presented floral wreaths to the portrait of the country’s founder.

A discussion on the significance of the day was held at the embassy in the afternoon.

“Bangladesh achieved independence after a nine-month long struggle,” the speakers commented. “Bangabandhu is different from other politicians. He is the ‘father of the nation’ in every sense because he gave birth to a country when many other leaders could not make such an achievement.”