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PM Sheikh Hasina Extends Pahela Baishakh Greetings
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.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued forecasts of rain or thundershowers for Dhaka, Rangpur, and five other divisions, commencing from 9 am today and extending over the next 24 hours. This weather forecast encompasses Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions, where accompanying gusty or squally winds are anticipated during the rainfall. Additionally, Chattogram division is expected to experience some activity, albeit in fewer places, with the potential for hail in isolated areas.
The BMD bulletin highlights that various areas within these seven divisions may witness significant thunderstorm activity, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, with isolated occurrences of hail.
Temperature levels across the nation are projected to remain consistent, both during daytime and at night. Over the past 24-hour period, Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature in the country at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, experienced the lowest temperature at 21.2 degrees Celsius.
Dhaka witnessed the most substantial rainfall, measuring up to 87mm. Residents in the affected divisions are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions and stay informed about further forecasts from the BMD.
The Jashore Education Board has achieved the highest pass rate of 92.32% among the nine boards in the 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination, according to official data.
Conversely, Sylhet remained at the bottom with a pass rate of 73.35%, continuing its trend from last year when it also recorded the lowest pass rate of 76.06%.
Data from the education board website reveals that the Dhaka board secured a pass rate of 83.92%, while Rajshahi board achieved 89.25%, Cumilla board 79.20%, Barishal board 89.13%, Chattogram board 82.80%, Dinajpur board 78.40%, and Mymensingh board 84.97%.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the results of this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Students have been able to access their results through the official website.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the 2024 Hajj program (1445 hijri) in Ashkona, the capital, today, May 8th.
Subsequently, she exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims at the Ashkona Hajj camp.
The maiden Hajj flight is set to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saudi Arabia on Thursday (May 9).
Dedicated Hajj flights will also operate from Chattogram and Sylhet airports, landing at Jeddah and Medina airports.
This year, 85,257 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to undertake the holy journey. Among them, 4,562 will be under government management, while 80,695 will be managed privately.
The Hajj is tentatively scheduled for June 15th, contingent upon the moon sighting.
In attendance were Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Shahadat Hossain Taslim.
Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, while Religious Affairs Secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the welcome address.
