Bangladesh Social Club will open its branches at Sohar, Salalah, Sur and Buraimi, said Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, the newly appointed president of the club in Muscat.
He said they would soon approach the Ministry of Social Development for land to build their own club premises. “A large number of clubs have their own land so it is time the Bangladesh Social Club also had one of its own,” Bhuiyan told Times of Oman on Monday. The club has been operating from a rented flat in CBD area in Ruwi until now.
The new offices will help in solving the problems of Bangladeshis in Oman. “The Bangladesh Social Club is a non-profit organisation which was formed with the support by the Oman government, and is still working to achieve several objectives to help our community in different fields of life and play our role as a strong effective link between Bangladeshis expatriates living in Oman and their homeland,” he added. More than 225 Bangladeshis are registered as members of the club.
Ever since its inception, the club has been responding to various cultural needs of the Bangladeshi community, and is active in finding solutions to numerous problems they have been faced with. “We will accept applications from Bangladeshis who want to renew their passports and get their official documents attested from the Bangladeshi consulate in Muscat. These new offices in the interiors will save time and effort as most people cannot leave work and go to Muscat for their transactions,” added Bhuiyan.
He said that a welfare committee had been formed to help the Bangladeshi community living in Oman in case they face any problems. It could help with funds for treatment of those involved in accidents and also help some who were convicted of crimes.
Bhuiyan said that the club also provides several opportunities for Bangladeshi children to develop their talents in fine arts and culture by conducting annual competitions. “We also encourage students to excel in academics,” he added.
The elections of the club were held on the premises on September 12, 2014. Representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, Shafia Al Omeri, Jamila and Mohammed Al Wahaibi were present in the club when votes were being cast. Twelve executive members were elected by the 225 members who cast their votes.
The executive members of the club are, President Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, Vice President Muhammad Ismail, General Secretary Sirajul Hoque, Joint Secretary M.N. Amin and Treasurer Atiquz Zaman. The other members are Golam Mustafa Nizam, Abdur Rahim, Abdu Salam and Abul Bashir Sharkar, along with Belal Uddin, Jahid Chowdhury and Ajit Shil.
“The election was held as per the rules and regulations laid down by the ministry. Now, I look forward to working with everybody in the club,” added Bhuiyan.
-by Times News Service
