by Zahida Parvez Chhanda (Dhaka Bureau)
On Tuesday, with the rising sun of the New Year, Bengali New Year-1433 was celebrated across Bangladesh with unique enthusiasm. This year’s festivities were not limited to welcoming the season; they evolved into a powerful platform for the resolve to overcome fear, uphold non-communal values, and express global humanitarian solidarity.
The capital city, Dhaka, and the rest of the country resonated with colorful processions, songs, and poetry. However, this year’s Pohela Boishakh gained a new dimension through the distribution of the government’s gift for marginal farmers- the ‘Farmer Card’ and the vocal stance of the general public regarding international politics and humanitarian crises.
The day commenced at 6:15 AM at the Ramna Batamul with the traditional ‘Probhati’ (dawn) program organized by the cultural organization Chhayanaut. Following the theme of Rabindranath Tagore’s famous lines- ‘Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high’- the New Year was welcomed with the choral rendition of the song ‘Jago Alok-Logone’. This was more than just a song; it echoed as a bold call to uphold human dignity by conquering fear in the current global context.
DRU celebrated Pohela Boishakh
Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) celebrated Pohela Boishakh and the Bengali New Year-1433 with a daylong series of events. Zahir Uddin Swapan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, attended the celebration at the DRU premises as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the bridge between the tradition of the Bengali calendar, introduced by Mughal emperors, and the modern economy.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan delivers a speech at the end of DRU’s Baisakhi Anand Rally. Photo: DRU.
The Minister informed that the Prime Minister officially inaugurated the ‘Farmer Card’ distribution program in Tangail on the occasion of the New Year. He stated: ‘Agriculture and farmers are the main driving forces of our economy. Reconstructing the economy to make the country self-reliant is our primary challenge. With that goal, our slogan is- ‘Bangladesh First.’
He described the peaceful celebration of the New Year across the country as a reflection of a normal environment for practicing democracy. Mahfuzur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Speechwriter, addressed the program as a Special Guest.
The day-long DRU festivities showcased folk culture through traditional puppet shows, joy rallies, and Baul music. The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel.
Reflections of Palestine and Humanity in the Boishakhi Procession
A colorful ‘Boishakhi Procession’ was brought out from the Faculty of Fine Arts, led by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Alam and Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. Alongside local folk motifs, placards reading ‘Free Palestine’ caught significant attention in the rally.
Furthermore, participants highlighted contemporary national and international issues through slogans such as: ‘Save the Sundarbans’, ‘Stop US War in Iran’, ‘Reject the Politics of Genocidaires’, ‘Ensure Profitable Prices for Crops’, ‘Stop Commercialization of Education’, ‘Cancel US Trade Agreements’.
Political and Social Engagement
A wide participation of political parties was observed in this year’s New Year celebrations, viewed as a natural reflection of democratic practice. For the first time, Jamaat-e-Islami brought out a colorful rally under the banner of the ‘Deshiya Sanskritik Sangsad’ (National Cultural Council), led by Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan Milon.
The festive atmosphere proves that the Bengali New Year is not merely a festival of seasonal change, but a cultural weapon for Bengali identity and standing against injustice. The new year 1433 has brought fresh inspiration for economic reconstruction and the building of a non-communal society in Bangladesh.
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The Author:
Zahida Parvez Chhanda: Senior Journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
