Chattogram Community Hosts Iftar Gathering in Paris

Members of the Chattogram community in France organised a doa and iftar gathering in Paris marking the holy month of Ramadan.

The event was held on Saturday evening at the well-known restaurant “L4” in Pantin, on the outskirts of Paris. The programme was moderated by journalist M A Hashem. Among the speakers were Alam Mehmud, Zahir Uddin, Manzurul Hasan Chowdhury Selim, Sharif Al Mumin, Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Mohammad Sohrab Hossain, and others.

During the discussion, speakers emphasised the need to form a structured platform representing people from Chattogram living in France. They noted that establishing a modern and widely accepted platform for the welfare of the Chattogram community is now a timely necessity.

They pointed out that repatriating the bodies of deceased expatriates to Bangladesh involves complex procedures and requires coordination with authorities back home. In such cases, the role of a strong regional organisation becomes crucial. The speakers also stressed the importance of strengthening unity within the community through greater communication and cooperation.

They further recalled that the first regional association in Paris had been established by members of the Chattogram community. Although regional associations representing other districts now exist, the old Chattogram organisation has gradually become inactive. Through that platform, they once organised traditional Chattogram events such as mezban feasts and community picnics, they added.

Media professionals from Chattogram residing in France were also present at the event, including Mohammad Arif Ullah of France 24, Yasir Arafat Khokon, France correspondent for Bangla Vision, and Mumin Ansari, France correspondent for Banglanews24 and Daily Sun.

The iftar concluded with prayers led by Rokn Uddin, seeking peace and prosperity for Bangladesh and the wider Muslim Ummah. Traditional Bangladeshi delicacies, including jilapi, piyaju, and chola, were served to the guests.