As a yearly event, Bangladesh NZ Friendship Society (BNZFS) organised an Iftar party for its members and guests in Auckland on 30 October at the Wesley Community Centre, Mt Roskill at 7:30 PM.

About 150 people attended the party. The guests included, Mr Ataur Rahman , Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh in Auckland; Vice President and General Secretary of BANZI, Mr Abdul Barek and Mr Hasnat Jahan Mukul; President of Probasee Bangali Association, Mr Amit Ohdedar and members of other communities.

The programme included a discussion session, Iftar (breaking of the fast), Magrib prayer and dinner. Among the discussants, Mr Saleh Alam Khan, Principal-IQRA Islamic community school, discussed about the importance of Ramadan and religious duties in Islam; Mr Abdul Ali, a Pakeha convert Muslim and a Lecturer of MIT, discussed about the influence of Islam in his thoughts and personal life. Moulana Khalil Ahmed Nadat, Imam of Blockhouse Bay mosque, led the pre-Iftar Munazat (prayer) and the Magrib Salat. Naweed Qadir recited from the Holy Quran at the beginning of the session. Sadi gave the Azan for Magrib prayer.

At the end, Dr Ekramul Hoque, President of BNZFS, thanked everybody for attending the programme and supporting the effort of Society. Dr Hoque also highlighted some recent initiatives taken by the Society, notably, Bangladesh Community Library, Publication of a newsletter, Skill development computer course for professionals, Blood donation, etc. President also extended invitations to everybody to attend the Society's Eid-reunion function on 19 December 2004 at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall at 7:00 PM. Mortoza Shoeb , Cultural Secretary of BNZFS, conducted the programme.

Dinner was sponsored collectively by members of the EC committee of BNZFS. Participating members/guests also brought light Iftar items which they shared among themselves. The programme concluded at 9:00 PM. For pictures of the event please visit Image Gallery.