Community News

International Children’s Day, 2009

international-childrens-day-1 The International Children’s Day was joyously celebrated by the Chinese as they welcomed children from all over the world to join them at the “Shi Jing Yuan” theme park, in Beijing. A group of fifteen to twenty little Bangladeshi angels aged between 6 – 17 years old took part in the celebrations. They sang the famous patriotic Bengali song: “Shurjo Doye Tumi, Shurjastheo Tumi, O Amar Bangladesh, Priyo Jonmobhumi” (translated it means: Thou Art There at the Sun Rise, Thou Art There at the Sun Set, Oh My Bangladesh, My Dear Motherland).

In preparation for this event the children had been regularly meeting at the Bangladesh Embassy for three consecutive weeks to practice their singing and dancing. Finally when the day came they were all dressed up in their lovely and colourful, sarees, panjabis, salwar kameezes and frocks with the Bangladesh Flag held tightly in their hands.

A large group of photographers from the audience gathered around the stage as the little ones were performing. And after the performance the children were treated to their own goody bags and free rides at the theme park.

The day was truly filled with the laughter of children, the innocence of their smiles and the fantasy like hopes and dreams safely captured within their eyes. Days like these ought to come again and again. To all those children out there- Study hard but play harder, Happy International Children’s Day!

Pahela Baishakh, 1416

Esho he baishakh esho esho...

14th April, 2009 marked “Pahela Baishakh”, 1416 in the Bengali calendar. This day was celebrated grandly by Bangladeshi students and families living in Beijing. A host of students organized for more than fifty Bangladeshis to get together at the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) to welcome the New Year. The evening began at 6:30 pm when everyone gathered at a beautiful park inside BLCU, surrounded by Magnolia trees and lovely Chinese architecture; the colors from the Chinese spring along with those of the beautiful traditional “sarees”, “salwar kameezes”, “panjabis” and “kurtas" gave a warm atmosphere to the event despite the cool spring breeze.

After a few words of inspiration from the organizers and guests the ladies gave the evening a melodious start by singing “Esho he baishakh esho esho…” The singing mixed with the aroma of warm and delicious “Khichuri” and other traditional dishes made it seem as though the event was taking place not in China but in Bangladesh.

After a wonderful dinner, some were in the “adda” mood, so they formed a semicircle in the middle of the park and started singing their favorite Bengali songs, while others got together to catch up and share stories with one another. During the “adda” session various talents among the group emerged, most notably there were Chinese nationals with deep appreciation of Bangladeshi people and culture who gave everyone a display of their appreciation through their participation in singing and dancing. Later during the course of the fun-filled evening other foreign friends joined in the adda while a number of spectators gathered around to watch with great amusement.

The evening went on till the late hours as everyone was reluctant to part from their close friends and colleagues and get back to their daily lives. Such spontaneously planned and informal meetings with country mates are sometimes the only occasions those living away from their homelands can look forward to amidst their busy daily routines, it is indeed a blessing to have such gatherings filled with love, laughter and joy.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers on behalf of the Bangladeshi community in Beijing who have asked to remain anonymous- Thank You! Here’s wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year, Happy New Year-“Shuvo Noboborsho!!”

National and Independence Day of Bangladesh held in Beijing

On Thursday 26th 2009 March, a reception was held in Beijing to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the National and Independence Day of Bangladesh. The event organized in the Embassy of Bangladesh was attended by many guests, including diplomatic enjoys of related countries, officials from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Bangladeshis currently living in China. Addressing the reception, Munshi Faiz Ahmad, ambassador of Bangladesh to China, renewed his praise for China’s continuous efforts towards a peaceful world. He expressed the belief that the two countries would continue in strengthening the bilateral cooperation and friendly ties between their peoples.

The International Mother Language Day, 21st February was celebrated

The International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibash (martyrs day) was celebrated by the Bangladesh community in China on 21st February, 2009 with patriotic fervour.

The event took place at the Bangladesh embassy in Beijing where a flag-hoisting ceremony was held and messages from the president, Prime Minister, minister and state minister of foreign affairs were read.

Observing Eid-Ul-Azha in Beijing

The holy Eid has been celebrated on the 9th of December. Bangladeshis living in china observed the occasion traditionally by going to the mosque nearest to them, saying prayers and also by sacrificing with the Chinese Muslims.

Usually the embassy invites all the Bangladeshis living in Beijing to share the holiness of Eid, but this time it there was an exception as the ambassador was on Hajj. Yet the students have celebrated it greatly in BLCU (Beijing language and Culture University). Although everyone had routine classes for it was on a week day, but everyone somehow managed to join in for dinner together, after all it is Eid! The day was brightened up for everyone enjoyed cooking together, chatting and playing interesting games, keeping the festive mood lively, even away from home!this information.