National
Nation set to observe Pahela Baishakh tomorrow
The country is gearing up to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year-1431, tomorrow, embracing the rich cultural values and rituals of the Bangalees. A significant turnout is expected to participate in the “Nabo Barsho” festivities nationwide, especially in the capital city.
Pahela Baishakh stands as one of the most vibrant festivals, marking the farewell to the old year and the warm welcome of the New Year. People from all walks of life come together adorned in traditional Bengali attire. Women don white sarees with red borders, complemented by bangles, flowers, and “tips,” while men opt for white pyjamas paired with panjabis or kurtas.
The day’s festivities kick off in the capital with Chhayanat, a leading cultural organization, hosting a musical soiree at Ramna Batamul at dawn. Following tradition, the iconic Mangal Shobhajatra will commence from Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty premises in the morning.
The Mangal Shobhajatra holds immense significance, spreading its cultural essence from divisional to grassroots levels. Its global recognition was solidified in 2016 when UNESCO inscribed it on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Business communities, particularly in rural areas, eagerly prepare to inaugurate their traditional ‘Halkhata’ or new account books. It’s a day marked by traders offering sweets to customers, fostering goodwill and prosperity.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are set to extend their greetings to the nation on the eve of Pahela Baishakh through separate messages. Various government and non-government organizations, alongside socio-cultural platforms, will host diverse programs, including seminars, exhibitions, and competitions, to celebrate the festival.
Local administrations will orchestrate quiz competitions, cultural events, and folk fairs, adding to the festive fervor. Across the city, residents will begin the day with a traditional breakfast of ‘panta bhat’ (soaked rice), accompanied by green chili, onion, and fried fish at popular spots like Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Uddyan, and Dhaka University Campus.
Inclusivity marks the occasion, with museums and archaeological sites welcoming visitors, and special provisions made for children, students, and individuals with disabilities or autism to visit museums free of charge. Improved traditional food will be distributed to jail inmates, hospital patients, and orphanages as part of the festivities.
Bangladesh missions abroad will also organize various programs to embrace the Bengali New Year. Extensive security measures will be implemented by law enforcement agencies nationwide to ensure a safe celebration.
Pahela Baishakh is observed as a public holiday, with Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV and radio channels airing special programs to highlight its significance. Historically, the Bengali calendar’s roots trace back to King Shashanka in the seventh century, later modified by Mughal Emperor Akbar to align with agricultural cycles and tax collection practices.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Bhaban and Senaprangan (Army Central Auditorium) Bhaban in Dhaka Cantonment today, unveiling their name plaques and cutting ribbons to enter AFIP Bhaban. During her visit, she toured different facilities within AFIP Bhaban, where AFIP Commandant Major General Dr Nishat Jubaida briefed her on its main features and facilities.
The project, “Extension and Modernization of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP),” approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2019, aimed to meet the increasing demand for pathology services. Remarkably, the project was completed ahead of schedule, by December 2024.
The 14-storey AFIP Bhaban boasts a modern laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including next-generation sequencing, automated microbial identification systems, transmission electron microscopes, and multi-headed microscopes, ensuring international standard services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof Dr Samanta Lal Sen, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
Following the inauguration of Senaprangan Bhaban, the prime minister also cut a ribbon to enter the new facility. Senaprangan serves as the army’s central auditorium for hosting various national and international-level events such as meetings, seminars, and social gatherings, with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and high-level army officers in attendance.
Rain or thundershowers are likely in various parts of the country as the day temperature may further decrease amidst a severe heat wave in Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Bagerhat districts, according to a meteorological release today.
The release predicts rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally winds in a few places across the Sylhet division and at one or two places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions, with hails possible at isolated locations within the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
Mild to moderate heat waves are sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions, as well as the remaining parts of Khulna division, and the districts of Moulvibazar and Chandpur, as per the release.
The weather is expected to remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies elsewhere across the country.
Day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged nationwide.
The sun sets at 6:29 pm today and rises at 5:21 am tomorrow in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged mill and factory owners to prioritize the welfare of laborers by reducing their luxuries. Addressing a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, she emphasized that laborers enable owners to lead lavish lives through their hard work.
She cautioned laborers against actions that could harm the factories providing them with employment opportunities. Sheikh Hasina noted that some individuals incite workers to protest unnecessarily, which ultimately damages both the workers’ interests and the country’s economy.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between owners and laborers, she stressed the need for increased industrial production for Bangladesh’s overall development. Sheikh Hasina encouraged both parties to approach her directly to resolve any issues, emphasizing her commitment to addressing their concerns.
She distributed financial assistance to labor families and attended a cultural program, accompanied by various dignitaries including State Minister for Labour and Employment, Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, and representatives from international organizations.
Sheikh Hasina proudly described her government as pro-labor, citing initiatives such as wage increases, workplace safety measures, childcare facilities, and maternity leave provisions. She highlighted the steady increase in workers’ salaries under her government’s tenure, affirming her party’s dedication to labor welfare.
Asserting Bangladesh’s commitment to international labor standards, she warned against any exploitation of workers and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for withholding fair wages.
The Prime Minister also outlined government efforts to boost education and employment opportunities, including free textbooks and vocational training programs. She mentioned the Karmasangsthan Bank, established to provide loans to youth entrepreneurs without collateral.
In summary, Sheikh Hasina’s government prioritizes labor welfare, fosters a conducive environment for economic growth, and remains vigilant against any exploitation of workers.
