RIYADH: The Embassy of Bangladesh on Friday commemorated the 98th birthday of the father of the nation and National Children’s Day 2017 at its chancery premises.

The day’s program started with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Golam Moshi and the laying of a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A discussion was held to commemorate the event, where messages from the country’s president, prime minister and state minister for foreign affairs were read out.

The mission’s staff, over 400 Bangladeshi nationals living in Riyadh, freedom fighters, teachers and students at Bangladesh international schools in the capital attended the function.

Moshi paid tribute to Bangabandhu, whose “unparalleled leadership inspired Bangladeshis to fight for the independence of the country.” He called upon all Bangladeshis to work hard to make the image of Bangladesh brighter in Saudi Arabia, and contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development.

The envoy underlined the need for renewing the commitment to remain united and make concerted efforts for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

The ambassador thanked his countrymen for participating in the economic development of Bangladesh by sending remittances through legal banking channels.

Highlighting the progress made by the Bangladesh government in different sectors, the ambassador stressed that due to the “dynamic leadership of the able daughter” of Bangabandhu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country is now considered important by the international community.

He also expressed the hope that Bangladesh will become a “Golden Bengal” as envisioned by the father of the nation and following the Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 announced by Hasina.

The Awami Shechashebok League Riyadh organized a photo exhibition of Bangabandhu, which was opened by the ambassador.

To commemorate the day, the Riyadh Bangla Writers Forum also arranged a book exhibition, with a rich collection of Bangla books and magazines, also inaugurated by the ambassador. Both stalls will be open to the public for the rest of March at the embassy.

The embassy had also organized essay, poem recitation and art competitions for the students of the Bangla and English sections of Bangladesh international schools in Riyadh. Medals, certificates and books were distributed among the winners.