An exceptional Iftar and Doa mahfil was held in Portugal with some messages for the welfare of expatriate Bangladeshis, including providing employment for unemployed expatriates, supporting those who want to become new entrepreneurs and ensuring Eid holidays in Bangladeshi-owned establishments.Portugal Bangla Press Club organized this Iftar and Doa Mahfil at an elite restaurant in Lisbon on Sunday evening. People from different levels of the community including various political parties, social organizations, business leaders participated in the Iftar party. It has been reported from this iftar party that many Bangladeshi expatriates in Portugal are unemployed. Many are living in hardship. Many expatriates are deprived of certain benefits in the workplace. To solve this crisis, employment arrangements will be made for expatriate Bangladeshis with the cooperation of established businessmen and prominent people of the community. Details will be given in this regard through a program after Eid.
Portugal Bangla Press Club President Russel Ahmed presided over and General Secretary Shahid Ahmed and Senior Vice President FI Roni conducted the welcome speech by Roni Mohammad, Founder President of Portugal Bangla Press Club. Muhi Uddin, Publicity Secretary of Portugal Bangla Press Club gave a welcome speech on the occasion. Zahirul Islam recited the Quran at the beginning of the program.
Among the guests, prominent community personality and president of Baitul Mukarram Islamic Center Rana Tashleem Uddin, prominent community personality Mohammad Sajidul Alam Sajid, joint convener of Portugal BNP Saiful Haque, president of CRCIPT Abu Naeem Mohammad Shahidullah, joint convener of BNP Ajmal Ahmad, Martim Moniz of Jame Masjid. President Musharraf Hossain, Portugal Awami League leader Rony Hossain, Vice President of Noakhali Association Muhi Uddin, prominent businessman Zahirul Islam, prominent businessman Rubel Ahmad, businessman Belayat Hossain, Arif Reagan, Faizur Rahman etc.
Abdul Hakim Minhaj, the owner of Green Sylhet Travels, was the overall supporter of the event. He said that many Bangladeshi expatriates are unemployed in Portugal. This crisis can be tackled by many if established businessmen and community leaders take initiative. A program will be taken in consultation with everyone to provide employment to many. If someone wants to do business, he will be supported. Details will be given in this regard through a program after Eid. He also said that there is no holiday in Portugal on the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. He requested the Bangladeshi business owners to give their workers leave on the day of Eid.
Those present at the Iftar mahfil welcomed the initiative taken by the businessmen. They said that in the past, businessmen have provided employment to many Bangladeshis, but no initiative has been taken to solve the problems of Bangladeshis as a whole. The guests thanked Portugal Bangla Press Club and Green Sylhet Travels for presenting this important issue in front of everyone through Iftar Mahfil.
Portugal Awami League leader Masum Ahmad, Portugal Chhatra League founding secretary Shiplu Ahmad, Bangabandhu Foundation secretary and Juba League leader Ahmed Liton, Juba League leader Shaheen Ahmad, BNP leader Masum Ahmad, Portugal Youth Socialist Party leader Ahmed Kaushik and others were also present in the iftar party.