Bangladeshis celebrate National Day with zeal

Abu Dhabi — The Bangladeshi community across the UAE celebrated their country’s National Day with zeal and passion on Thursday.

The main event to mark Bangladesh’s 44th Independence Day was held on the embassy premises where Ambassador Muhammed Imran hoisted the national flag. The ceremony was attended by a large number of community members, Bangladeshi businessmen, and students and teachers of SKBZ Bangladesh Islamia School. Officials of Janata Bank and Biman, the national airline of Bangladesh, also attended the event.

The programme began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the singing of the national anthem as the ambassador unfurled the national flag.

Wearing colourful national dresses, the schoolchildren also sang patriotic songs recalling the national struggle for a separate state which was achieved 44 years ago.

The activities also included debates and speeches by students and teachers highlighting the historical significance of the independence struggle. The Independence Day speeches of the president, prime minister and foreign minister of Bangladesh were also read out at the function.

In his address, the ambassador paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and valiant freedom fighters, who gave their lives for the freedom of the country.

“I ask all community members in the UAE to dedicate themselves to nation-building activities and work together to portray the positive image of Bangladesh in the UAE,” said Imran.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants offered prayers for the continued peace, prosperity of the country and departed soul of the martyrs of Liberation War.

A similar ceremony was also held at the SKBZ Bangladesh Islamia School auditorium where students performed dances, sang patriotic songs and recited poems. Students and teachers of the school, officials, community leaders and a cross section of Bangladeshi expatriates attended the ceremony.

In Dubai, a flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Bangladesh Consulate General attended by a huge number of community members.

Consul-General Massudur Rahman unfurled the national flag as schoolchildren recited the national anthem and sang songs about the nation’s struggle towards freedom. He also read the National Day speeches of the president, prime Minister and foreign minister of Bangladesh.

Elsewhere in the country, community associations and schools also organised similar programmes to mark the day. Community members across the country also exchanged greetings and distributed sweets.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com