It was a large gathering of aesthetic products and nationals from different parts of the world, including Asia, Europe and Middle East. Global colourful dresses, traditional handicrafts, cosmetics, and delicious foods from all over the world were showcased at Dhaka's Foreign Service Academy on Friday.
Braving inclement weather caused by cyclonic storm Midhili, visitors from around the world who are working at different diplomatic missions in Dhaka took part in International Charity Bazaar.
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With their family members, they also bought various kinds of products and enjoyed local and foreign foods and cultural show.
Non-profit organisation Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA) organises ‘’International Charity Bazaar’’ three to four times every year to help poor and disadvantaged people. Diplomatic missions, high commissions, embassies in Dhaka and domestic entrepreneurs participated in the daylong fair. They sell the products of respective countries as well as to promote the history and tradition of their countries.
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Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen inaugurated the International Charity Bazzar at the auditorium of Foreign Service Academy with his wife Selina Momen, chief patron of FOSA.
During the time, several mission chiefs including Chinese ambassador Yao Wen were present. In the evening, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma attended the event.
Later, FOSA president Fahmida Jabeen and General Secretary Ismat Jerin organised a cake cutting ceremony with invited guests.
The Palestine Embassy in Dhaka participated in the International Charity Bazzar amid the ongoing Israeli invasion on Gaza. Delicious Palestinian foods were served and leaflets on ‘’free Palestine’’ and T-shirts were distributed as mark to international support for Palestine.
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This correspondent talked with Mohanad, the admin officer of the Palestine Embassy in Dhaka and a resident of Gaza city.
He said, “We need international support and financial assistance against Israeli war crime and illegal settlements. Part of sales of goods at the International Charity Bazaar will be spent on humanitarian aid in Gaza,” said Mohanad.
DM Salah Uddin Mahmud, Director General (admin) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said International Charity Bazaar was organised mainly to help the poor, helpless, distressed employees working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eighteen missions in Dhaka, including China, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and Turkey, participated in the event apart from 15-16 more local organisations.
Mangal Aloy Foundation participated in the international charity bazaar with handicraft fashion items made by underprivileged children and women. Meanwhile, representatives of various embassies, foreign diplomats and their families look at these products with interest.
Head of Mangal Aloy Foundation Nargis Sultana said, “Our organization has always been working for the underprivileged people in the country. Especially wedding and handicraft items are made by them. As a result, they are becoming self-reliant and their living standard is improving.”
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The members of FOSA are the spouses of officers working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the spouses of the diplomats assigned in Bangladesh embassies and missions abroad.
Fahmida Jabeen, the President of FOSA, said they are working to enhance financial support for the disadvantaged people. “It can be in the country and outside the country.”
Chinese Embassy in Dhaka in a press release on Friday said the Chinese embassy's booth was the most popular and favorite booth at the charity bazaar. All proceeds from the bazaar were donated to FOSA.
