FLORIDA: The Florida State Awami League organized a discussion meeting and prayer gathering in Lake Worth, Florida, on Saturday to mark the 80th birthday of Sheikh Hasina, president of the Bangladesh Awami League. The event, held in the evening at Krazy Mario Restaurant, was attended by leaders, activists, supporters and well-wishers of the Florida State Awami League.

The program began with a special prayer seeking Sheikh Hasina’s good health, long life and well-being. The event was chaired by Florida State Awami League President and freedom fighter Nannu Ahmed and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Mujib Uddin.

M. Fazlur Rahman, a freedom fighter and president of the U.S. Awami League’s Southern Chapter, was the keynote speaker. He discussed Sheikh Hasina’s political career, leadership and role in Bangladesh’s politics. In his remarks, Rahman said that people in Bangladesh are recognizing what he described as the need for Sheikh Hasina’s leadership under the current circumstances and want to see her serve again as prime minister. He also credited Sheikh Hasina’s government with progress in various sectors, including the economy, food, electricity, energy and gas.

Rahman expressed hope that Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh in December. He also called on party leaders and activists to maintain organizational unity and continue their activities. Other speakers included Florida State Awami League Vice Presidents Salma Rahman Minu, Imtiaz Hasan, Nafiz Ahmed, Sheikh Babul and M. Rahman Zahir; Bangabandhu Parishad President Engineer Ikramul Islam Bhuiyan; freedom fighter Bulbul Chowdhury; Organizing Secretary Sazzadur Rahman; Mozammel Hossain; Sirajul Islam; Mohammad Chhadurul; and Bangladesh Mahila Awami League Vice President Dolly Ahmed, Lina Haque and Rabeya Begum, among others.

Speakers discussed various aspects of Sheikh Hasina’s political career, leadership and role in Bangladesh’s politics at different times. They also prayed for her good health and long life. In closing remarks, Florida State Awami League President Nannu Ahmed and General Secretary Mujib Uddin thanked the leaders, guests, supporters and well-wishers who attended the program.

NEW YORK: The U.S. chapter of the Bangabandhu Foundation marked the 80th birthday of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at an event in New York on Monday. Members, supporters and leaders of the organization cut a birthday cake during the celebration and raised slogans including “Bangladesh is blessed because of Sheikh Hasina,” “Sheikh Hasina, don’t be afraid—we are with you,” and “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.”

Participants at the event also expressed their intention to welcome Sheikh Hasina back to Dhaka by December, according to organizers. Among those attending were Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, central president of the Bangabandhu Foundation and former foreign minister of Bangladesh; Abdul Kader Mia, president of the foundation’s U.S. chapter; Senior Vice President Engineer Md. Fazlul Haque; Vice Presidents Md. Zafarullah, Afsar Mohammad and Abu Taher M. Rahman; General Secretary Kamal Hossain Mithu; and Joint General Secretaries Alim Khan Akash and Ariful Islam Arif.

The event was also attended by the foundation’s Communications Director and freedom fighter Lablu Ansar, along with leaders and community members including Nazrul Islam Babul, Mobasher Hossain, Abdul Jalil, M.A. Kadir, community leader Abul Hashem, Sirajul Maola, Abul Hasan Mahiuuddin, Mosharraf Hossain Abdul Hamid, Abul Kashem, Idris Alam, Yasin Arafat Bappi and Ahsan Ullah Saki, among others.