|| Diplomatic Correspondent: In a soulful and dignified ceremony reflecting the deep-rooted religious and diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, the closing ceremony of the Competition for the Memorization of the Holy Quran and Holy Hadith in Bangladesh 2026 was held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Baridhara Diplomatic Zone, Dhaka.The prestigious competition was organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Religious Attaché Office at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Zafer bin Abiyah, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh.The closing ceremony was held on Tuesday, 28th October 2026, at the Embassy auditorium.Honorable Religious Attaché Mr. Mubarak bin Ameq Al-Onazi and Honorable Director of Dawah, Islamic Foundation under the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh, Dr. Harun ur Rashid, attended the ceremony as special guests.Senior officials of the embassy including Yasir Sheshah, Political and Media Affairs Director also presented in the event.The event was also graced by a number of eminent personalities, including Directors of Islamic organizations, Principals of Hifzul Quran Madrasahs, officials of the Religious Attaché Office of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, and a distinguished group of Ulema, Duat and Imams of mosques in Bangladesh.According to the organizers, the competition witnessed an overwhelming response from across the country. A total of 5,000 male and female contestants participated in the district-level rounds. Of them, 205 talented Hafez and Hafeza qualified for the final round held in Dhaka.After rigorous evaluation, 25 winners were selected for the final award — 17 male and 8 female contestants — in different categories of memorization of the Holy Quran and the Glorious Hadith.At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Abdullah bin Zafer bin Abiyah distributed valuable gifts, commemorative shields and certificates among the winners, acknowledging their dedication, piety and excellence.In his address, the Ambassador congratulated the winners and appreciated the tireless efforts of the Religious Attaché Office in promoting the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah in Bangladesh. He reiterated the Kingdom's commitment under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to serve Islam and Muslims worldwide.Speaking on the occasion, Religious Attaché Mr. Mubarak bin Ameq Al-Onazi expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to all participants, judges, Islamic organizations and the Government of Bangladesh, particularly the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Islamic Foundation, for their cooperation in making the competition a success.Observers say such initiatives not only encourage the younger generation to connect with the Holy Quran and Hadith but also further strengthen the brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in the fields of religion, culture and education.The ceremony ended with a special dua for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of both countries and the entire Muslim Ummah.