Bangladeshi journalists in France host Ramadan iftar for diaspora community

The France Bangladesh Journalists Association (FBJA) hosted an iftar gathering for members of the Bangladeshi community in France, bringing together journalists, political leaders and social activists during the holy month of Ramadan.

The event, titled FBJA Iftar 2026, was held on Friday at a restaurant in the Pantin area of northern Paris. Bangladeshi journalists working in France and representatives of various social and political organisations joined the programme.

The gathering began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by FBJA member and Daily Sun's France correspondent Momin Ansari, according to a press release.

The event was moderated by FBJA spokesperson and France 24 journalist Mohammad Arif Ullah, while FBJA coordinator Mohammad Mahbub Hossain presided over the programme.

Among the special guests were former general secretary of BNP France, MA Taher, chairman of Bangladesh Ganatantrik Party Kazi Abdullah Al Mamun, veteran journalist and writer Khan Anwar, president of Bangladeshi Nagorik Parishad France Abul Khair Laskar, and former joint general secretary of BNP France Juned Ahmed.

Others present included convener of NCP Diaspora Alliance France chapter Chowdhury Mohammad Iftesham, journalist Muhammad Nurul Islam, joint secretary of Bangladesh Probashi Odhikar Parishad Haidar Hossain, and central committee member for reform affairs of National Citizen Party and researcher Ishtiaq Akib, among others.

FBJA member Tanvir Ahmed Toha delivered the welcome speech, while co-spokesperson Mosaddek Hossain Saiful briefed the guests on the organisation's activities over the past year.

Senior journalists Mohammed Kamruzzaman, Habibullah Fahad, Yeasir Arafat (France correspondent of Banglavision) and Sardar Hasan Ilias Tanim (France correspondent of Daily Jugantor) also spoke at the event.

Speakers emphasised the professional responsibilities of journalists living abroad, highlighting the importance of objective and truthful reporting as well as the need to raise issues concerning the Bangladeshi expatriate community.

They noted that journalists act as a mirror of society and carry a moral responsibility to uphold truth, justice and the voices of ordinary people.

The speakers also stressed the role of journalism in promoting democratic values, protecting human rights and supporting national development.

In his presidential remarks, Mohammad Mahbub Hossain said FBJA has been working to strengthen unity among Bangladeshi journalists in France and enhance professional cooperation. He expressed hope that the organisation would continue to highlight issues affecting the Bangladeshi diaspora on international platforms.

In the final segment, Badrul Bin Harun, principal of MC Institute, led a special prayer seeking peace and prosperity for Bangladesh and the global Muslim community.

The programme concluded with iftar, Maghrib prayers and a photo session among the participants.