International Desk : VOice of Calcutta

Grand Inauguration of Expatriate Welfare Council Italy Committee Dazzles Rome with Cultural Evening

In a vibrant and festive atmosphere, the newly elected committee of the Bangladesh Expatriate Welfare Council Italy was formally inaugurated in Rome, accompanied by a captivating cultural evening. With the enthusiastic participation of the Bangladeshi diaspora, the event transformed into a grand celebration of unity, community, and cultural harmony.

According to Italy Bureau Chief G.M. Nazmul Ahsan Tuhin, the colorful event was held on Saturday, July 4, at the prestigious Hacienda Auditorium in the Tiburtina area of Rome.

The event was presided over byj Council President Oli Uddin Shamim, while the event was hosted by renowned Bangladeshi television presenter Ishita. The overall coordination was led by Secretary General Atikur Rahman Russell.

The chief guest at the event was Barrister Mostak Ahmed, Speaker and Councillor of Tower Hamlets, London. Distinguished guests included Italian Member of Parliament Paolo Sani, Tower Hamlets Councillor Faizur Rahman, First Secretary of the Bangladesh Embassy Asif Anam Siddiqui, Deputy Mayor of Rome Katiana Rodacchi, and Councillor Valentina, among others.

Several prominent figures also addressed the gathering, including founding president of the central committee Asikur Rahman, International Affairs Secretary Shah Muneem, former UK Councillor Ayesha Chowdhury, Vice President Abdul Halim Chowdhury, North London President Sadek Ahmed, Barrister Shibli Sadik Siddiqui, and former General Secretary Ansar Siddiqui, along with leaders from various expatriate organizations in Rome.

Speakers highly praised the organization’s ongoing efforts for the welfare of expatriates and called for a more dynamic and impactful role in the future. Chief Guest Barrister Mostak Ahmed commended the newly elected committee and assured his full support for its initiatives.

Italian MP Paolo Sani, in his remarks, highlighted the significant contributions of expatriates not only to their homeland but also to Italian society, expressing his commitment to stand by the Bangladeshi community.

President Oli Uddin Shamim outlined the organization’s future plans, emphasizing initiatives for employment generation, social and humanitarian assistance, and the development of the next generation within the diaspora.

The second phase of the program began with the national anthems of Italy and Bangladesh, followed by an engaging cultural segment. Under the direction of Susmita Chowdhury, artists from Sancharita Music Academy performed group dances and patriotic songs.

Later, popular artists from Bangladesh—Salma, Sathi Khan, and Kishore Das—enthralled the audience with their melodious performances.

With the presence of nearly a thousand attendees, the entire auditorium momentarily turned into a vibrant piece of Bangladesh. The event concluded with an exciting raffle draw featuring attractive prizes, including a gold chain, iPhone 17, and Samsung smartphones.

The event concluded with a renewed call to strengthen the organization’s role in protecting expatriate rights, fostering social development, and extending humanitarian support.

*Nazmul Ahsan Tuhin : Rome, Italy