Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a message today, extending greetings to the nation on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1431, to be celebrated tomorrow. In her message, she emphasized that Pahela Baishakh holds significance as the universal festival marking the beginning of Bengali New Year. It symbolizes harmony and serves as a unifying celebration for Bengalis worldwide.
Sheikh Hasina urged everyone, regardless of religion or caste, to embrace the new year with joy, leaving behind the sorrows and setbacks of the past. She highlighted that Pahela Baishakh embodies the essence of Bengali identity and heritage, reflecting the cultural richness of the Bangalees.
During the Pakistan period, Sheikh Hasina recalled, Bengalis faced attempts to suppress their traditions and culture by the colonial power. However, they resisted these efforts with determination, ultimately joining the struggle for liberation under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The prime minister emphasized that the fusion of culture and politics during the liberation struggle paved the way for the emergence of independent Bangladesh. She noted with pride that the traditional Mangal Shovajatra has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, symbolizing the resilience and spirit of the Bangalee nation.
Sheikh Hasina expressed confidence that following this path would lead Bangalees to excel on the global stage. She asserted that the achievements and progress of Bangalee heroes would endure through the ages, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Bengali nation.
The premier underscored the lifelong commitment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to uphold ideologies such as secularism, liberalism, nationalism, and democracy, which are integral to Bangladesh’s identity. She hoped that the spirit of Pahela Baishakh would inspire the nation to combat militancy, fundamentalism, extremism, and anti-liberation forces, striving towards a society free from hunger and poverty, and realizing the vision of a golden Bangladesh envisioned by Bangabandhu.
