Dhaka: The government has unveiled a comprehensive program to celebrate ‘Pahela Baishakh’, marking the Bangla New Year-1433, on April 14.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, national dailies are set to publish special supplements, while both state-run and private television channels, including Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, will broadcast special programming dedicated to the occasion.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will deliver individual messages to commemorate this auspicious event. In addition, cultural organizations like Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) and ‘Chhayanaut’ will host a cultural gathering at Ramna Batamul on the morning of April 14. The program will commence with the national anthem followed by the traditional song ‘Eso He Baishakh.Eso Eso’.
The faculty of fine arts at Dhaka University will maintain their annual tradition by organizing the ‘Baishakhi Procession’, with this year’s theme being ‘Noboborsher Oykotan, Gonotantrer Punuruthan (New Year’s harmony, democracy’s reemergence)’. The event will be broadcast live by Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private media channels.
Furthermore, from April 14 to April 20, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation will hold a seven-day Baishakhi fair and discussion meetings. The Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation will follow with a 14-day traditional ‘Baishakh Fair’ starting on April 20.
In addition to cultural events, traditional foods will be provided in prisons, hospitals, and shishu paribars, with cultural programs organized for children in these institutions. Museums and archaeological sites will be open to the public, with free entry for children, students, and individuals with special needs. Across the nation, ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ and cultural events will take place at district and upazila levels.
Educational institutions will host their own celebrations, and various cultural departments, institutes, and academies for small ethnic groups will arrange programs. Meanwhile, posh hotels and clubs in the city will serve special traditional meals in honor of the Bangla New Year. Ensuring the safety and security of these events, law enforcement agencies will provide comprehensive security measures at all national, district, and upazila levels.