Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, has expressed concerns that some individuals, due to a misunderstanding of the spirit of pluralism and cultural synthesis inherent in Bangla culture, are trying to impose ideological ‘masks’ on the celebration of the Bengali New Year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a programme commemorating ‘Chaitra Sankranti and Bangla New Year 1433’, organized by the Jatiya Press Club (JPC). He highlighted the historical origins of the Bengali New Year, noting that the Mughals, when introducing this calendar, integrated elements from the Hijri calendar with agrarian practices like harvests and Halkhata, reflecting the culture of Bangladesh.
Swapon emphasized that the celebration of the Bangla New Year is a symbol of unity, where people from all religious and community backgrounds come together. “This festival embodies a remarkable expression of our collective harmony,” he stated. He further stressed the importance of elevating national thoughts and cultural identity alongside striving for economic self-reliance. He commended the National Press Club for maintaining the continuity of cultural practices.
The event was presided over by JPC president poet Hasan Hafiz and attended by notable figures including Kader Gani Chowdhury, Secretary General of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), Khurshid Alam, General Secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists, former JPC general secretary Syed Abdal Ahmed, and leaders from various journalist organizations.
Earlier in the morning, the JPC’s Baishakh celebrations commenced with colorful arrangements, featuring traditional puppet shows, Baul songs, and various cultural performances. Attendees enjoyed local dishes such as khai, muri-murki, jaggery pies, Hawaiian sweets, and panta-hilsha. Members of the JPC and their families participated enthusiastically in the festivities. Following the speeches, Minister Swapon exchanged New Year greetings with children at the venue.