Pahela Baishakh,' the first day of the Bangla year, was celebrated in Khulna city with much enthusiasm, fanfare and festivity.
Khulna district administration, different socio-cultural and political organisations celebrated the day through various programmes. Khulna district administration began the day with a colourful' Mongol Shovajatra' (procession) that started from Khulna Railway Station and ended at the Shilpokola Academy premises.
Hundreds of people led by KCC Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque joined the procession on Friday. Khulna deputy commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin, superintendent of police Md Mahbub Hasan, Additional deputy commissioner(General) Pulak Kumar Mondal, Additional deputy commissioner (Education and ICT) Mukul Kumar Maitra, Chairman of National Women Association Runu Iqbal Bither, freedom fighters, government officials, teachers and leaders of different cultural organisations attended the 'Mongol Shovajatra.'
Afterwards, a discussion about the heritage and history of Bengali New Year was held at the Shilpokola Academy followed by a cultural programme and prize- distribution ceremony.
Later, KCC Mayor distributed tabs -- among 390 meritorious students of Class 9 and Class-10 who secured first, second and third position in the last academic result -- as gift from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Khulna district jail and 'Shishu Paribar' (Orphanage) organised a cultural programme on their own premises, besides, various handicraft items made by prisoners were exhibited on jail premises. All educational institutions, including Khulna University (KU), and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), celebrated the colourful 'Pahela Baishakh' through various programmes.
In addition, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Udichi, and students of Fine Arts Discipline of Khulna University (KU) brought out a colourful procession, discussion meeting and cultural programme. Awami League, Sammiltya Sankskritik Jote, Khulna Union of Journalists (KUJ), among others, celebrated Pahela Baishakh with fanfare and festivity.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha