By Rumi Sayeed

JEDDAH —Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia observed their country's Victory Day in a solemn ceremony here.

Under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bangladesh was liberated on Dec. 16, 1971, after nine-month-long bloody war for independence. That day is celebrated with fervor by Bangladeshis all over the world as "Victory Day"

The Consulate General of Bangladesh in Jeddah, Bangladesh International Schools and members of the Bangladeshi community celebrated victory day with colorful events.

Consul General F.M. Borhan Uddin hoisted the national flag at the consulate premises. Representatives of Bangladesh to OIC and IDB, officials of the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, university teachers, doctors, top officers of the consulate, students and many expatriates attended the ceremony.

The consul general, after unfurling the flag, congratulated all expatriates, especially those living in the western region of the Kingdom, in his speech.

The consulate also organized a free medical consultancy camp at consulate premises in association with Bangladeshi doctors in Makkah and Jeddah.

Mumtaz Chowdhury, a prominent expatriate living in Jeddah, said, “We are happy to see the excellent arrangements made by our consulate for the event. We would like to thank the consul general and officers for the memorable program.

In the afternoon the consulate organized cultural programs. Students of Bangladeshi schools participated in the afternoon events. Bangladeshi expatriates, including a large number of children, enjoyed the daylong program.