DHAKA: President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year.

In separate messages on the eve of Pahela Baishakh of 1422, they wished peace, happiness and prosperity of the people and the country in the impending year.

The President, in his message, said the Pahela Baishakh is a unique day as per the heritage of Bangla, which inspires all to advance towards progress leaving behind the past.

He further said the use of Bangla year in the country’s art, literature, culture, trade and commerce, and in family and social life is unanimous.

Hamid said, “It is expected of all that the Bangla New year will strengthen our unity and bond and bring peace and happiness to all forgetting the differences of the past.”

Therefore, the appeal of Bangla New Year is universal and everlasting, the President added.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangla New Year is a universal festival of the Bangalees.

Bangla New Year means colorful festivals of indigenous Bangalee culture, it’s time to get inspired with new hopes, she said.

Hence, the Bangla Nababarsha (new year) appears in a new shape every year in the works of our writers, poets and artistes, she added.

Prior to the Pahela Baishakh, fairs and other celebrations start on the day of Choitra Shangkranti across the country, which contribute to the economy along with recreations, the Prime Minister said.

“Bangla New Year sharpens our spirit and the feeling of nationality,” she said and added that there were conspiracies before and after the independence to foil this spirit in the New Year celebrations.

“There were blows again and again. People were killed in bombing. But no evil attempt of the fanatic and communal forces was successful,” she said.

The Bangalees have contained Bangla New Year as a component of lifestyle and culture, she added.

The Prime Minister hoped the celebration of Bangla Nababarsha would help the nationhood flourish further, unite the nation and resist communal, fanatic and anti- state forces.

BDST: 2107 HRS, APR 13, 2015
SR