Bangladesh Labour Minister participates at the 59th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC

USA NEWS: At the invitation of the members of US Congress Engr. Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, MP,  Minister for Labour & Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Government of Bangladesh participated at the 59th National Prayer Breakfast on 03 February with the US President and other national leaders and foreign dignitaries. US Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis whom the  Minister met at her Office on 02 February greeted him on the sideline of the event.  Akramul Qader and his wife  Rifat Sultana Akram were also present during the breakfast prayer.

This year’s  breakfast prayer was attended, among others, by First Lady Michelle Obama, US Vice President Joe Biden, Cabinet Members, Members of Congress, religious leaders, and international invitees from over 160 countries. Presidents of Macedonia and Equatorial Guiana were present while the Spanish Prime Minister and co-founder of the Alliance of Civilizations  Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero attended as President Obama’s special guest.

US President Barack Obama  delivered a speech at the  prayer. In his 22-minute long speech, the US President urged the lawmakers to be open to other points of view while remaining firm to their core principles.

The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual Washington DC tradition since 1950s which was formally initiated by President Eisenhower. It brings together thousands of political, religious, social and business leaders from over 100 countries. In addition to the “breakfast”, there are also traditionally a series of luncheons and dinners over the course of several days in early February.