The hardworking Bangladeshi community came for praise by Members of Parliament at a meeting held in Auckland last fortnight.
Labour MP Dr Ashraf Choudhary said although small, Bangladeshis excelled themselves in New Zealand with their determination to succeed in life.
“Members of the Bangladeshi community are known for their commitment, devotion and dedication. They are law-abiding and peaceful,” he said, speaking at a function that witnessed the installation of the office-bearers of the Bangladesh Association New Zealand Inc on July 11.
The Association had organised the meeting at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall.
National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said Bangladeshis added to the cultural and social plurality of New Zealand.
“This country has become the home for all religious and social beliefs, and people can practice what they want without fear or hurdles,” he said.
Bangladesh Honorary Consul Ataur Rahman urged the new committee to continue to work towards the betterment of the community.
“Members of the community should effect a better integration with mainstream New Zealand and enhance their role as partners in the country’s progress and development,” he said.
Among those installed to the various posts for the year 2010-2011 were Dr Mohammed Rashid (President), Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan Anu (Vice-President), Abdul Marek Mia (General Secretary), Iqbal Pasha (Assistant General Secretary), Manjurul Haque (Treasurer), Choudhury Haque (Cultural Secretary), Mohammed Mridha (Publication Secretary), Mohammed Sakhawat Hossain Rono (Sports Secretary), Golam Quddus Chowdhury (Fundraising and Religious Secretary), Abdul Kashem (Membership Secretary), Mohammed Nurul Alam and Mohammed Shahabuddin (Members).
Dr Rashid said apart from working towards improving the lot of the Bangladesh community in New Zealand, the Association would also work towards the establishment of a ‘Cultural Centre.’
Photo : Dr Ashraf Choudhary speaking at the installation ceremony. Others in the picture include Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Ataur Rahman
