Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates and their families gathered in Oman’s Barka region to celebrate the Bengali New Year during a day-long cultural event organised by community leaders and volunteers.
The celebration, held at Al Sawadi Water Park on May 15, featured traditional sports, music performances and family entertainment activities, alongside stalls offering Bangladeshi food, clothing and handicrafts. The annual gathering highlighted the role of expatriate communities in preserving cultural traditions across the Gulf.
Organisers said the event was arranged by the executive committee of Bangladesh Social Club Oman with support from its various community wings. At the start of the programme, attendees observed prayers and paid tribute to four Bangladeshi nationals who recently died in a reported incident in the Muladda area.
Bangladesh’s ambassador to Oman, Rear Admiral Khandakar Misbah ul Azim, attended as chief guest and praised the organisers for bringing together members of the expatriate community. He also reaffirmed the embassy’s support for the welfare of Bangladeshi residents in the Sultanate and encouraged expatriates to respect local laws and regulations.
The ambassador was accompanied by several embassy officials, including representatives responsible for labour welfare and consular affairs. Gulf Exchange CEO Iftakher Chowdhury also attended the gathering as a special guest.
The cultural fair was formally opened by Nurtaz Azim during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, while club chairman Azimul Hoque Babul thanked sponsors, volunteers and participants for contributing to the success of the event.
Community leaders, business figures and representatives from different social groups were also present throughout the celebrations, which included live cultural performances hosted by local presenters and organisers.
The event reflected the growing presence of South Asian expatriate communities in Gulf countries, where cultural festivals continue to play an important role in maintaining social ties and national traditions abroad.
