Seated from left: Deputy Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs Alauddin Al Askar, Governor of Riyadh Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Ambassador of Bangladesh Mohd. Shahidul Islam. — Courtesy photoBy Abdul Aziz Mir RIYADH — The Embassy of Bangladesh celebrated the 41st anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence Day at the Embassy's premises in Riyadh on March 26. The program began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an, followed by the hoisting of the national flag. Ambassador Mohd. Shahidul Islam led the flag-hoisting ceremony before a large gathering of Embassy officials and community members. Messages from the country's President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out. President Zillur Rahman's message said: “On Independence Day, I urge all living at home and abroad to work unitedly, imbued with the spirit of war of liberation to expedite economic self-reliance and democratic advancement of the country.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed's message was that they have been striving hard to establish Bangladesh as a poverty-, hunger- and illiteracy-free country, modern and digital, by the Golden Jubilee of the country's independence by implementing “Vision-2021.” In their messages, the officials recalled with gratitude the supreme sacrifices made by the thousands of martyrs and freedom fighters for the sake of the country. They called on Bangladeshi expatriates to work together for the country's development and achievement of peace, progress and prosperity. In his address, Islam urged his fellow countrymen in the Kingdom to develop people-to-people contacts in Saudi Arabia to enhance country's image and respect the laws of the host country. He also urged for them to renew their commitment in efforts to build a better nation where people could live in peace and prosperity. He also urged Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittances through banking channels. Later in the evening, Islam and his wife Madam Shahanaz hosted a dinner reception at the Tuwaiq Palace, Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh to mark the occasion. Governor of Riyadh Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud was the chief guest and Deputy Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs Alauddin Al Askar was the guest of honor. Other guests included high-ranking foreign ministers and other ministers. Saudi government officials, diplomats and Bangladeshi community members were also present at the function. __
