Bangladeshi expatriates should work hard to develop their nation and enhance its image abroad. This was the appeal from the country’s ambassador, Mohammed Shahidul Islam, on Friday during an address to commemorate Great Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day at the embassy premises.

The day’s program included recitation from the holy Qur’an and the reading of messages from the country’s president, prime minister and state minister for foreign affairs.

The embassy organized art, essay and poetry competitions for the children as part of the day’s program. There was also music played and patriotic songs sung.

Embassy officers and staff members, more than 700 Bangladesh nationals living in Riyadh, and teachers and students of Bangladesh schools, attended the ceremony.

“Bangladesh has definitely made significant progress over the last 42 years,” Islam said.

He thanked the Bangladeshi community for their contribution to the country and urged them to do more.

Islam also paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives for the country including “Father of the Nation” Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the nation’s language movement.

Islam handed out prizes to the winners of the competitions, and ended the day with a prayer for the souls of the martyrs during the war of independence.