Prayer Mats Distributed and Blood Donation Drive Held in Jackson Heights to Mark Bangabandhu’s Death Anniversary
A daylong program marking the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was held in Jackson Heights, New York, where food and prayer mats were distributed among around 1,500 people and nearly 40 people voluntarily donated blood.
The program was organized by residents of Jackson Heights on Saturday, August 15, in front of Nabanna Restaurant. The blood donation drive began at 1 p.m., followed by the distribution of food and prayer mats from 3 p.m. Fresh mango juice was also distributed among attendees.
The program began with prayers for the souls of those who died during August. Imam Kazi Qayum led the prayers. Following the prayer, food, tabarruk and prayer mats were distributed among those present.
President of the organizers, Shakil Mia, said that although expatriate Bangladeshis live abroad, they maintain a deep connection with Bangladesh’s history and heritage. He said the program was organized to introduce the country’s history and spirit of the Liberation War to the younger generation while encouraging community members to participate in social and humanitarian activities.
Chairman Redwanul Haque said that remembering Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and those who died on August 15 while living abroad was a responsibility of expatriate Bangladeshis. He also stressed the importance of working together for the welfare of the community.
The event was attended by Jackson Heights residents’ association President Shakil Mia, General Secretary Mohammad Alam Nomi, Convener Mir Nizamul Haque, Member Secretary Mamun Miaji, Chairman Redwanul Haque, Chief Coordinator Shah J. Chowdhury, Chief Adviser Shah Newaz, Chief Patron M.A. Aziz, Asef Bari Tutul, attorney Moin Chowdhury, Fahad Solaiman, community leaders, businesspeople and other Bangladeshi expatriates.
Organizers said the initiative aimed not only to remember Bangladesh’s history, the spirit of the Liberation War and those who died on August 15, but also to promote social responsibility and humanitarian values among expatriate Bangladeshis.
They said blood donation drives, food distribution and other social and humanitarian initiatives would continue in the future.
