An excellent Iftar party hosted by Bangladesh-Australia Association, Canberra
On Sunday 6th September 2009, the Bangladesh-Australia Association, Canberra organised its annual Iftar party at the Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC) in Monash. A record number of over 350 Bangladesh community members attended this year’s Iftar. Among the distinguished guests was the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia. H.E. Lt.Gen. Masud Uddin Chowdhury.
The General Secretary of the Association Mr Atik Ullah addressed the gathering and welcomed them to the Iftar party while the Cultural Secretary Mr Syful Islam conducted the whole program. The program included a range of interesting and relevant items, including children’s Sura recitation and discussion on the importance of holy Ramadan in the lives of Muslims. Children participating in Sura recitations were Sababa Adreen (Meda), Mona, Navid, Rafi Abdel Rahman, Navil Tahmid Navil, Rohan, Rudra Ashraf, Ariq Nawal Chawdhury (Nafi), Nafi Hoque, Zahi Hoque, Mahin, Aisa Hoque, Rahat.
Nahinan Bushra Chawdhuri (Nowreen), Sadatun Taranun (Monon) talked about the importance of Ramadan which was appreciated by the audience.
In her presentation, Mrs Umme Salma, a long-time community member in Canberra, spoke about the significance of Ramadan.
Mrs Jesmine Masud, spouse of the High Commissioner, distributed prizes to the children who took part in various programs on the day. The prize distribution was coordinated by Mrs Shireen Ahmed.
The President of the Association Dr Moyazur Rahman thanked members of the community for attending the Iftar party while a dua befitting the occasion was conducted by Dr Nazre Sobhan.
After the Maghreb adhan the iftar was served which was followed by the prayer. The Iftar was served by the Association. The dinner which followed the Maghreb prayer was a pot luck dinner. Community members cooked and brought a range of tasty food items to the dinner for sharing with each other. Mr Shafique Ahmed, Vice President of the Association, managed aspects of the dinner assisted by Tawhidul Islam, Saffat Riad and many others.
Overall, the all aspects of the Iftar program were very thought out, planned and executed. The whole program was smooth run by the executive committee with the help and cooperation of many community members. They deserve special thanks and appreciation from all of us.
Another highlight of the event was the enlisting of around 60 new members to the Association. This was unprecedented, I believe. The Iftar invitation to the community members with a request to consider membership of the Association encouraged many to become members on the day.
In fact, a new genre of community members have taken over the responsibility of running the affairs of the Association for 2009-10. Their keen interest, enthusiasm, innovative ideas and hard work were evident in organising the Iftar party on the holy month of Ramadan.
The CIC as a venue for the Iftar was the right choice by the executive committee as such a big hall with other needed facilities at a reasonable rent is very difficult to find elsewhere in Canberra.
The Iftar party continues to show once again an example of community harmony and bondage with efforts to inculcate the values of Islam among the young children.
Well done Association!
more photos at https://priyoaustralia.com.au/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=8455
Photo courtesy Ziaul Hoque Bablu.
