By Humayun Kabir Dhali, New York
The US Awami League organized a prayer and discussion meeting in New York on August 21 to commemorate those killed in the August 21, 2004 grenade attack in Dhaka.
The program was held at Nabanna Party Center in Jackson Heights, New York, under the leadership of US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and observance of a period of mourning.
Participants observed a one-minute silence in tribute to Ivy Rahman and the other victims of the attack. Prayers and a special supplication were offered for the eternal peace of the departed souls. The national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States were subsequently performed in a solemn atmosphere.
Following welcome remarks and the introduction of guests, US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad, and other leaders addressed the gathering.
Among those who spoke were US Chhatra League President Mahmudul Hasan and General Secretary Hridoy Mia; Swechchhasebak League President H.M. Iqbal and General Secretary Syed Kibria Zaman; Youth League leader Zulfikar Ahmed; US Youth League President Sebul Mia; Virginia State Awami League President G.I. Russell and General Secretary Dr. Mohammad Hossain; New York State Awami League General Secretary Shaheen Azmal, along with leaders and activists from various levels of the organization.
Former Deputy Minister and former Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami League, Enamul Haque Shamim, and former Chief Whip and former General Secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League, Nazrul Islam Babu, were present as the chief guest and special speaker.
In their speeches, the speakers discussed the historical and political context surrounding the August 15, 1975 tragedy and the August 21, 2004 grenade attack. Enamul Haque Shamim called upon party activists to remain united against what he described as misinformation and conspiracies.
Nazrul Islam Babu recalled his years of involvement in student politics and the struggles on the streets, emphasizing the historical roots of the Awami League in Bangladesh.
The meeting was moderated by US Awami League General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad.
The program concluded with a call for leaders and activists across the diaspora to remain united and continue supporting the party’s principles and leadership.
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