It was a rare opportunity for the leaders of the Bangladesh YMCAs to meet the Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs. Dr. Bart Shaha, arrived Bangladesh on 16th of August 2009 to attend the funeral of his beloved mother, who had been called home on 13th of August 2009. Later Dr. Shaha met the YMCA leaders as well as the dignitaries of the society at a fellowship dinner hosted by the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh in his honor in the city on 24th of August 2009.

The State Minister for Cultural Affairs of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Advocate Promod Mankin, Right Rev. Patrick D’Rozario, Bishop of Chittagong Diocese, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Costa, Principal, Notredame College, Ms. Rina Das and Ms. Joyce Mourmita Das, President and National General Secretary, respectively, of the YWCA of Bangladesh, Mr. Nirmal Rozario, President of the Christian Credit Union Ltd, Dhaka, Dr. Peter Halder, Executive Director, Youth First Concern, Rev. Prodip Dawa, Executive Director, World Concern, Fr. Kamal Corraya, Editor, Weekly Pratibeshi, Rev. Martin Adhikary, Director, Leprosy Mission, Mr. Stephen Baroi, Country Director, LAMB, Pastor Anwar Hossain and a host of others were present at the fellowship dinner.

 Dr. Bart Shaha

Advocate Promod Mankin

Mr. Babu Markus Gomes

Mr. Alison Baroi

 Mr. Nirmal Rozario (L)

Mr. Duncan Chowdhury

Rev. Benjamin Costa (R)

Mr. Duncan Chowdhury, National General Secretary welcomed Dr. Bart Shaha & Mrs. Emily Shaha and all the distinguished guests present at the gathering, while National Executive Committee Member Mr. Babu Markus Gomes expressed his words of felicitation to the guests. He also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the National Executive Committee to the World Alliance and particularly Dr. Bart Shaha for the continuous support and cooperation we have received. He praised the role of the World Alliance in overcoming the leadership crisis in Bangladesh YMCAs last year. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Shaha for visiting the YMCA.

Ms Rina Das, reiterated on the prevailing strong relationship between the YMCA and the YWCA in Bangladesh and expressed optimism that it shall strengthen in the days to come. She emphasized that the lay and professionals in the YMCA and YWCA should understand each other, this would prevent unwanted situation in our organizations like the YMCA and YWCA.

Fr. Benjamin Costa, Principal, Notredame College, went down through the memory lane, remembering Dr. Bart Shaha since 1963, reminiscing their good old days when they studied theology together in Karachi. He also praised the contribution of Dr. Shaha to the Church, especially in the Liturgy.

Advocate Promod Mankin, praised Dr. Shaha for his invaluable contribution to the YMCA World and also in the field of Liturgy in Bangla. He hoped and prayed that Dr. Shaha shall continue to put his efforts for the service of the society and also in the liturgy in our country. Rt. Rev. Bishop Patrick D’Rozario offered special prayers at the conclusion of the program.

 Rt. Rev. Bishop Patrick D'Rozario

Dr. Peter Halder & Bro. Jarlath D'Souza