Chinese traditional New Year, the Spring Festival, was celebrated on Saturday with joy and fun in Bangladesh's Savar town, 50 km north of the country's capital Dhaka.

Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association (BCPFA) and the Chinese Embassy to Bangladesh co-hosted the celebration picnic, more than 100 people from both sides attended.

Anwarul Amin, president of the BCPFA, said at the function that he was very happy to celebrate the Chinese traditional New Year with the Chinese friends in Bangladesh. He wished all the Chinese people in Bangladesh "Happy New Year".

Amin said, "some of you can't go home to see your near and dear ones during the Chinese biggest festival. I hope you treat members of the BCPFA as your family members and treat Bangladesh as your second home."

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Zheng Qingdian said that the BCPFA has dedicated to promote the relations between the peoples of China and Bangladesh since it was set up and made a great contribution to that. He hoped the association will play more active role in the future.

The hosts prepared football, volleyball and tug of war matches and wonderful performances.

All the guest present said that they were very enjoyable and happy to participate in the function.

BCPFA was founded in August 1986. It is one of the most important unofficial organizations in Bangladesh.
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(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2008)