Iftar meals, provided in collaboration with Wahab, a local organisation focused on reducing food waste, were distributed to workers in the Abu Nakhlah area.
The Bosnian community in Qatar has come together to provide more than 1,000 iftar meals to workers during Ramadan.
In collaboration with local organisations, this initiative, held in the Abu Nakhlah area, reflected the community’s commitment to giving back and promoting solidarity during the holy month.
“Ramadan teaches us the importance of empathy, kindness, and community,” said Dr. Vahid Suljic, a founding member of the Bosnian Community initiative. “We are honoured to contribute to a country that has embraced us, and we hope to pass on that warmth to others.”
Dr. Suljic proudly shared that over the years, this tradition has seen more than 4,500 iftar meals distributed to those in need, and is now being passed down to the younger generation of the Bosnian community.
“Our children helped deliver the iftar meals,” he said. “We want to teach them from a young age the importance of charity, especially during Ramadan, and instil in them a sense of gratitude for everything they have.”
‘More than just a meal’
After learning about Bosnia, its geographical location, and picking up a few Bosnian words, one Bangladeshi worker – who preferred to remain anonymous – expressed his pleasant surprise at the initiative.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see people from a distant place like Bosnia showing such kindness. We are deeply grateful,” he said.
Wardha Mamukoya, who works for Wahab, the organisation that collaborates with food outlets and charities to collect surplus food for those in need, emphasised that the initiative is about more than just providing a meal.
“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed meaningful impact and successful campaigns together with Bosnian community and it truly resonate with our shared values,” she added.
From beach clean-ups and tree-planting to educational initiatives and donation campaigns, the Bosnian community in Qatar has long been a valuable example of how expatriate groups can enrich the social fabric of their host country.
The Bosnian community in Qatar – which numbers a minimum of 1,000 – has long set an example of enriching their host country. In 2022, the Bosnian Embassy and community donated books to the Qatar National Library, providing valuable insights into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history and culture.
Last year, they removed over 300kg of waste during a clean-up at the Al Thakira mangroves, earning recognition from the Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) for their environmental efforts.
