By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru
In a bid to strengthen cultural ties and provide support between the Bangladeshi community and Lesotho, the Bangladesh Welfare Association Lesotho (Milon-Mela) has been officially launched. This initiative aims to create a platform for Bangladeshis residing in Lesotho to come together, celebrate their culture, and extend a helping hand to those in need.
The launch of the event was held at the Maseru Preparatory School, where a significant turnout of members from the Bangladeshi community as well as representatives from various sectors of Basotho society gathered. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and optimism as attendees embraced the vision of Milon-Mela and pledged their support to its mission.
On this special occasion, the people of Bangladesh commemorated the day by preparing and relishing their traditional cuisine. They also indulged in exuberant displays of their cultural heritage through traditional dance and songs. The festivities culminated in an exciting modeling show, showcasing the beautiful and diverse fashion styles of the country. The event was a perfect representation of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the people’s enthusiasm to celebrate their traditions.
Speaking at the event, one of the founding members of HS Construction Company, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engr. Md Abdullah-AI-Hussain emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity among the Bangladeshi diaspora. He highlights the experiences of many Bangladeshis living in Lesotho, ranging from cultural adjustment to accessing essential services, then underscores the need for a cohesive community organization to address these issues effectively.
Abdullah states that welfare aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for the Bangladeshi community in Lesotho and Basotho in general, offering various services and programs to cater to their diverse needs. These include cultural events, educational workshops, language classes, and social welfare initiatives. Additionally, the association works closely with local authorities and organizations to advocate for the rights and interests of Bangladeshis living in Lesotho.
During his speech, the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo, highlights the many valuable lessons for Basotho to learn from Bangladesh. One area in which Bangladesh excels is agriculture, and the Minister stressed that Basotho could benefit greatly from their expertise in this field. Additionally, he notes there to be other areas where Bangladesh can offer valuable insight and knowledge, encouraging Basotho to seek such for collaboration and learning.
As he draws his speech to a close, he encourages the audience to join him in a collective effort to improve and better Lesotho. He speaks of a country that is safe, secure, and free from the scourge of criminal activities and corruption. He then emphasizes the importance of being law-abiding citizens and upholding values that make Lesotho great.
Finally, he extends an invitation to one and all, urging them to participate in the 2025 Moshoeshoe walk, an annual event that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate Lesotho’s rich culture and history.
The President of the Welfare, Dr. Minazun Rahman, highlights the primary goal of the organization to be encouragement of cross-cultural understanding and integration between the Bangladeshi community and the wider society of Basotho. Dr. Rahman explains that the association aims to achieve this goal through initiatives such as cultural exchange programs and community outreach activities. He emphasized that the ultimate objective is to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and harmony among all residents of the country.
“We owe a huge thanks to the Association of India Lesotho and the Association of Pakistan Lesotho for being instrumental in helping us achieve our goal. Without their support, we would not have been able to accomplish what we did. Their help was truly invaluable, and we are forever grateful for their contributions to our success,” acknowledges Dr. Rahman.
Bangladesh Welfare Association Lesotho is embarking on a journey and is calling upon all members of the Bangladeshi community in Lesotho to participate actively and contribute to its endeavors. By working together, to build a stronger and more vibrant community that will not only preserve their rich cultural heritage but also flourish in their adopted home of Lesotho.