The Bangladesh International School – English Section in Riyadh celebrated the Bengali New Year, known as Bangla Noboborsha 1419, on March 14. Schoolchildren performed traditional song and dance numbers, reflecting the artistic taste and rich culture of Bangladesh. Over the years the Nobobarsha has become the most popular and largest festival of Bangladesh. It is intimately associated with the Bangla culture. Shahnaz Islam, the wife of Ambassador of Bangladesh Mohammad Shahidul Islam, was the chief guest of the function. In her speech, she said children are the representatives of their beloved country. She also said their traditions represent the productive aspect of the social life of Bangladesh, and it was the teachers' and parents' responsibilities to teach children about their own culture as well as to learn and respect the culture of the host country. Other guests included Mohamed S. Hussein, principal on the school; Dr. Qamarul Islam, chairman of the school governing board; Dr. Kazi Mohd. Masud, vice chairman of BOD. They all advised schoolchildren to follow and respect the traditions, cultures and customs of their home country. The wives of high-ranking diplomats also graced the occasion, including Nilufar Ayoub Chowdhury, Shapar Mijan Khan, Farjana Alam Chowdhury. Packets of traditional food were later distributed to the schoolchildren. __
