Celebration of the International Women’s Day by SOFC in New York recognizes Bangladeshi Expatriate Women

UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : The Society of Foreign Consuls (SOFC) in New York celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on 2 March 2017 which included honoring accomplished expatriate women, showcasing traditional food and cultural performance from the participating Consulates General. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Celebrating Women Leaders in Our Communities” and the Consulate General of Check Republic hosted the event at its Bohemian National Hall, Manhattan. The Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York actively participated at the mega event. The celebration acknowledged one distinguished expatriate woman (Honoree) from each of the 18 participating countries including Bangladesh who made a major contribution to their communities in business, government or academia, in particular. As recommended by the Consulate General in New York, Ms. Nayeema Khan, Chairperson of Khan’s Tutorial, was formally honored for her notable success in the area of education in the Bangladesh diaspora in New York and beyond. Each of the Honorees had the opportunity to speak briefly on her achievements and received a certificate from the SOFC President in presence of the Consul General of his/her country. Ms. Rozina Ahmed Runi, a Bangladeshi fashion designer in New York and founder of Runi’s Desire was recognized under the Guest Category (Fashion Designer) for her notable success as a woman in the field. Bangladesh Consulate General also put up a stall showcasing various traditional food (Chicken Biriani and Samucha). Bangladesh Stall, decorated with traditional Bangladeshi articles and handicrafts, drew huge number of foreign guests. All of them deeply appreciated the unique taste and flavor of the Bangladeshi food. There was a stellar performance by the local artists of BIPA (Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts) which earned deep appreciation. The artists performed a dance themed on a popular patriotic song from Bangladesh. Artists from a good number of countries also performed at the cultural segment which added beauty to the event. Participation of the Consulate General afforded an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the Bangladeshi women among others and to promote and project the traditional food and rich culture of Bangladesh among the wider US audience which included Senior US officials, diplomats and members of the civil society. Founded in 1925, Society for Foreign Consuls (SOFC), New York represents the world’s largest consular corps comprising Consulates, Consulates General and Honorary Consulates based in the New York City. Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, Consul General, Mrs. Pandora Chowdhury, wife of the Consul General, Officers and ladies and officials were present, among others.