Doha, 28 June 2025

Ambassador Nazirullah Islam, outgoing ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar has stressed the potential for Indonesia, the largest Muslim populated country in the world, followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh to work together in promoting regional and global peace, given their shared cultural and religious heritage. He also urged continued cooperation to help those in need, moving beyond mere words to meaningful action.

Outgoing Bangladesh envoy was addressing at a farewell Pakistani authentic and traditional breakfast reception under Pakistani community’s culinary diplomacy series. The event was hosted on Saturday morning at Sarhad premium Restaurant, Doha, marking the conclusion of his successful tenure in Doha. He has been reassigned to Moscow, where he is expected to present his credentials soon as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Russian Federation.

The ceremony, attended by ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Pakistani community, served both as a warm send-off and an acknowledgment of Ambassador Islam’s diplomatic contributions.

The event was graced with the presence of Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar, Dean of ASIAN Envoys and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam; Dr Ali Salehabadi, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran; Suhail Shaheen, Ambassador of Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan; Rizwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia; Mardomel Celo D Melicor, Ambassador of Philippines; Ghulam Hoosein Asmal, Ambassador of South Africa; Nguyen Huy Hiep, Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; Salah Khaled, Regional Director UNESCO; and Mustafa Rabbani, Counsellor Pakistan embassy, representing ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Among other participating distinguished guests included Farhan AlSheikh AlSayed, Founder and Patron of Art, Fashion and Cultural Diplomacy Qatar; Mohammad Israr Khan Malazai, President Pakistan Business Forum Qatar; Azad bin Ashraf, President Bangladesh Business Forum Qatar; Anwar Hossain Akon, President Bangladesh Community Qatar; Iftikhar Ahmad, Senior Bangladeshi Professional and Group Financial Director, Ali Bin Ali Group of Companies; Ashraf Siddiquii, Coordinator and Founder Pakistan Culinary Diplomacy Forum Qatar; Waqas Malik, Country Manager, Pakistan International Airlines Qatar; Osama bin Javaid, renowned journalist, Aljazeera Network; Haroon Rasheed Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief, Rahbarkisan Publication;  Pilot Mahboob Khaled; Riyaz Ahmad Bakali, Ex-President Pakistan Engineers Forum Qatar, and Director TNG Schools Qatar; Dr. Khurram Iqbal, Qatar Energy; Dr Akmal Rana, Qatar Foundation; Nisar Rana, Senior banker and past president Professional Toastmaster Club Qatar; Rauf Shahzad, past president Professional Toastmaster Club Qatar; Usman Arshad, CEO, Darb AlShemal;  and Babar Khalil, Owner Partner Sarhad Premium Restaurant.

Ambassador Nazrul Islam expressed his deep gratitude to the Pakistani community in Qatar, specially to Ashraf Siddiqui and friends for their friendship and support throughout his posting.

He spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of saying farewell despite the inevitability of diplomatic rotations. Ambassador Islam highlighted the special bond he had developed with the local community, noting that with his family abroad, (spouse serving as ambassador of Bangladesh to Canada), the people of Qatar had become like family to him.

Ambassador Islam concluded with an appeal for ongoing friendship and connection, even as he moves to his new role in Moscow. He expressed hope that the personal ties forged in Qatar would endure despite geographical distance.

Earlier, in his welcoming remarks, Ashraf Siddfiqui on behalf of the Pakistani community members present on the occasion, paid gratitude on the presence of the Chief Guest ambassador Nazrul Islam, excellencies the ambassadors, dignitaries and the distinguished guests for joining at the farewell breakfast. He conveyed heartfelt wishes for his success in this significant new posting.

Ashraf Siddiqui praised Ambassador Islam’s diplomatic achievements, highlighting the strengthening of Bangladesh-Qatar relations during his tenure. They cited high-level visits between the two nations, the signing of bilateral agreements and MOUs, and regular exchanges of senior officials as evidence of his tireless efforts and professional dedication. He extended sincere congratulations to him for these accomplishments.

He also acknowledged the support of Usman Arshad, CEO of Darb AlShemal and a young Pakistani entrepreneur; Dr Khurram Iqbal; and businessman Babar Khalil, for making the event possible. On the occasion, all the guests were presented with a gift of Pakistani mangoes.

Osama bin Javaid, an acclaimed Al Jazeera journalist with extensive experience covering conflict zones, recounted how his own home had come under threat from the shifting front lines only a week earlier. Despite such grim realities, he stressed the enduring resilience of ordinary people—an often-overlooked truth in the fog of conflict.

He cited Pakistan’s response to recent Indian aggression and ongoing struggle against terrorism originating from across the border; alongside Pakistan’s leadership handling provocations from across the borders. In both cases, he argued, the human cost of war must remain central to any discussion.

Bin Javaid reminded the audience that war is fundamentally destructive and profits only a few, urging recognition of shared human values—religious, cultural, or educational—that can unite even divided societies. He insisted the international community has a crucial role to play in fostering understanding and easing tensions.

Turning to threats that transcend military conflict, he described climate change as one of the gravest dangers facing the world. He recalled firsthand witnessing flash floods in Pakistan and worsening environmental conditions in southern Iran, part of a decline evident from the Sundarbans to New York. Forums like the Pakistani Culinary Diplomacy Series, he suggested, offer opportunities for constructive action.

Finally, he called for stronger economic cooperation, noting the presence of representatives from both leading and emerging economies. He argued that business and community leaders must work together to forge partnerships that not only prepare their people for challenges but also shield them from aggression.

The event concluded with an invitation to guests to enjoy an authentic Pakistani breakfast. The organizers ensured the menu offered both traditional spicy dishes and milder options, preserving authentic flavors while catering to varied tastes.

The gathering served as both a heartfelt farewell and a celebration of the shared bonds among the diverse communities represented war, climate change, and economic instability.