Students from Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian schools singing a song at Al Wakrah Stadium yesterday. Pics: Abdul Basit
DOHA: Thousands of expatriates from Pakistan and Bangladesh gathered at Al Wakrah Stadium yesterday to celebrate the National Day held under the theme ‘One Love’, highlighting the bond shared between Qataris and expatriates who have made Qatar their second home.
The day-long celebrations had a mix of cultural and sports events, with special performances by school students as well as artists from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Participants sang songs and danced around the venue expressing their joy.
“We are very excited to take part in National Day celebrations. This year expatriates have been accepted as part of the event. My children have lived here more than in our country. We are happy about it as Qatar is our home away from home,” said Habib Ulah Sheikh, a Pakistani, who has been living with his family here for 17 years.
Mohamed Adil, a low-income worker, said, “We have come to National Day celebrations for the first time. There are lots of artists performing. There are sport activities, we never got a chance before to participate in such events.”
Bangladeshi expatriates wore a special badge with the slogan ‘Long Live Bangladesh–Qatar Friendship’ symbolising relations between both countries.
“This National Day is unique; usually expatriates are spectators but this year we are participants. It’s a participating celebration,” said Anwar Hussain, a Bangladeshi who has been living with his family here since 1986.
Celebrations started with the participation of around 1,000 students from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indian schools.
Major R F Abdulrahman, venue manager for National Day celebrations in Al Wakrah from the Community Police, Syed Masud Mahmood Khundoker, Bangladesh Ambassador and Rashid Nizam, Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistani Embassy were also present. The national anthem was sung by students, followed by parades, including of some carrying the Qatar national flag and ‘One Love’ theme flag.
Some students donned Pakistan and Bangladesh national costumes, while others were in traditional Qatari clothes.
Singing competitions were held between schools and Bangladesh MHM School was announced the winner with a prize of QR10,000.
Bhavan’s Public School was runners-up and the team from the DPS-MIS was second runner-up.
A variety of cultural performances such as solo table, Khattak dance, folk dance and comedy show were performed by the Pakistani community, while Bangladeshi students and community members presented a group dance, folk song and dance, a fashion show and skit. A 400-metre race was held for workers and the participants were presented with gift vouchers.
A special motorbike show was held by Harley-Davidson with around 100 bikers, who went around the stadium.
Football and volleyball matches were also held between members of the Pakistan and Bangladesh communities. The Peninsula
