July Mass Uprising Day observed in Qatar

The programme, held on Wednesday, was attended by Bangladeshi expatriates in Qatar, July movement participants, representatives of political, social and cultural organisations, remittance earners, media personnel, representatives and students of Bangladesh MHM School and College, and officials and staff of the embassy, according to a press release, received here today.

The observance began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising.

Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs, speedy recovery of those injured and disabled during the Uprising, and continued peace, progress and prosperity for Bangladesh.

Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out, while a government-produced documentary on the July Mass Uprising was screened.

Associate Professor Dr Hasan Mahmud of Northwestern University in Qatar presented the keynote paper highlighting the background and significance of the July Mass Uprising.

A discussion on the significance of the July Mass Uprising and July Martyrs' Day followed, where speakers paid tribute to the martyrs and the injured and pledged to work together to build a discrimination-free, prosperous and just Bangladesh.

Speaking at the programme, Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

He described the killings during the July Uprising as a dark chapter in the history of humanity and stressed that the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs had created a historic opportunity to strengthen national unity and fulfil their aspirations.

The ambassador also expressed gratitude to Bangladeshi expatriates in Qatar for their contribution to the country's economy and encouraged them to continue sending remittances through legal channels.

He called upon all Bangladeshis to extend full support to the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in building a new Bangladesh founded on justice, equality and non-discrimination.

The programme concluded with traditional Bangladeshi refreshments served to the invited guests, reports BSS.