Jubo Dal's 48th founding anniversary celebrated in Malé with cake cutting and a prayer gathering

The 48th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal was celebrated in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, with a cake cutting and a prayer gathering. The event, organised by the Maldives Jubo Dal, was held on Thursday night (29 October) at the Sea Building auditorium in Malé.

The chief guest was Md Khalilur Rahman, president of the BNP's Maldives branch. Chaired by youth leader Ariful Islam and conducted by Abdul Mannan, the event was also attended as special guests by senior vice-president Neher Mia Rana, vice-presidents Md Faruk, Muktar Hossain and Rahim Mia, and general secretary Zahirul Islam of the BNP Maldives branch.

Others present included assistant organising secretaries Abul Kalam Azad and Monir Hossain, sports secretary Mamun, youth leaders Mahabub Alam, Abu Zaher and Abu Ahmed Selim, Maldives Swechchhasebak Dal convener Masum Munna and joint convener Mahfuz Alam, along with leaders of the party and its associate bodies at various levels.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Speakers later discussed the background to the Jubo Dal's founding, its organisational ideals and political commitments, and stressed the need for unity, solidarity and coordination among leaders and activists to strengthen the organisation abroad.

In his speech, chief guest Md Khalilur Rahman said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal in 1978 and that the organisation has played an important role in the country's political and organisational arena since its founding. He called on leaders and activists to maintain party discipline and unity and to strengthen the hand of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Addressing expatriate Bangladeshis, he said remittances must be sent home through legal and banking channels and that every Bangladeshi abroad must behave responsibly, avoiding any activity that would damage the country's image, dignity and reputation.

In the closing session, special prayers were offered for the overall welfare, prosperity and future progress of the country, the nation and the party. The founding anniversary cake was then cut with the participation of guests and leaders, creating a festive atmosphere in the auditorium.