Bangladesh Accords Warm Reception To  

Mr. Bartholomew Shaha

(click over the pictures on the left for larger view)

Steeping in Home with flying colors, what a thrill, what a tremendous joy it is! And yes,                   Mr. Bartholomew Shaha, the newly appointed Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs visited his motherland Bangladesh from 19th – 29th December 2002 as a glorious son of the soil. The nation felt honored to welcome & congratulate him on his success. He was accompanied by his wife Ms. Emily Shaha and daughter Ms. Suchinta Shaha.

The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh hosted a Reception in honor of Mr. Shaha on the 21st  December, 2002 at the Notre Dame College Auditorium. Most Rev. Michael Rozario, Archbishop of Dhaka and Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, President of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Dhaka graced the occasion as the Chief Guest & the Special Guest respectively. While the President & the National General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh along with local YMCA Leaders & Secretaries and other dignitaries of different organizations in Dhaka were also present in the ceremony. A gladdening cultural soiree & a fellowship dinner thereafter followed the ceremony.

During his stay in Chittagong, Chittagong YMCA & the City Corporation of Chittagong arranged two Reception Ceremonies in honour of Mr. Shaha. Ms. Christine Richardson, Vice-chairman of Chittagong YMCA took the chair of the ceremony on 23rd December, hosted by Chittagong YMCA while Most Rev. Patrick D’Rozario, Bishop of Chittagong, Prof. Anwarul Azim Arif, Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong Premier University, noted Poet and Journalist Mr. Abul Momen, National General Secretary Mr. Duncan Chowdhury, of Bangladesh YMCAs and other renowned personnel spoke on the occasion.

The Reception Ceremony organised by Chittagong City Corporation on the 28th December, was chaired by it’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Isahaq where the honorable Mayor of Chittagong Mr. Mohiuddin Chowdhury was present as the Chief Guest.

In the above-mentioned ceremonies the discussants have focussed on his assiduity which has led Mr. Shaha in ascending such peak of dignity. In reply, Mr. Shaha has expressed his hope to continue his struggle for empowering the common people those who are in real need through his work.

The Bangladesh YMCA wishes Mr. Shaha a prosperous future.