Dhaka University (DU) Thursday celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar, amid tight security measures.
A three-layer security cordon was put in place during the mangal shova yatra, with Rapid Action Battalion, SWAT and Dhaka Metropolitan Police keeping a hawk-eyed vigil to ensure a peaceful procession.
State minister for culture KM Khalid and DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman led the procession that began from the Student-Teacher Centre of the university at 9am and culminated at the same place.
“To build a harmonious, non-communal and humane society, such cultural festivals are very important,” the V-C said.
“This is an inclusive festival because the festival is enlivened by a non-communal human consciousness as it involves people from all communities. Religion may be an individual affair but the festival shall be open for everyone,” he added.
On his part, Khalid said, “We have not been able to celebrate our festivals for two years due to the pandemic. This Pahela Baishakh Is a festival for all, irrespective of all caste, creed and religion. I think we are fighting militancy and the invisible enemy through our traditional cultural activities.”
Among others, pro V-C (education) Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, pro V-C (administration) Prof Muhammad Samad and Proctor Prof AKM Golam Rabbani, took part in the procession.
Source: United News of Bangladesh