Bangladeshi expatriates mark Victory Day in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Mohammad Imran, Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE, noted there was enough reason for jubilation as the economy back home was booming.

 Hundreds of Bangladeshi expats marked the 49th Victory Day and remembered the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War during an event held at Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi. While everyone was seen in celebratory mood, there was also renewed confidence and hope in the air.
Mohammad Imran, Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE, noted there was enough reason for jubilation as the economy back home was booming and various developmental parameters placed Bangladesh better than many Asian peers.
"Yes, our nationals here are proud and happy that their contributions are playing a role in country's growth. Indeed Bangladesh has progressed a lot. We are now a $300-billion economy. Our GDP growth rate is estimated at 8.1 per cent this year. We are second largest exporter of readymade garments after China. We are doing well and want to move forward. We have vision to become a developed country by 2041," Imran said in a candid chat with Khaleej Times.
"Expats have an important role in this success. I told the community members here about these achievements, which is also result of their contributions. Our discussions were on lines of how we can collectively work hard and make contributions to the country back home. This Victory Day is extra special for everyone. It is a motivation to do more for Bangladesh."
The ceremony at the embassy included hoisting the national flag, cultural events and distribution of sweets. Later, there were cultural programmes held at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladesh Islamia School.
And now the embassy will gear up for more celebrations as 2020 is themed 'Mujib Year' to mark the birth centenary of Bangladesh's father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "We will have lot of events in 2020 here and in all the missions across the world," the ambassador added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi