Bangladesh is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the first day of Bengali New Year 1432 on Monday (14 April) with exuberant festivities, cultural pageantry, and traditional flair, as people across the country usher in the New Year with a heady mix of joy and reflection.
From bustling cities to tranquil villages, the nation is alive with the sounds of music, the hues of processions, and the timeless charm of Baishakhi fairs.
Dressed in traditional attire, people from all walks of life have come together to mark the occasion with warmth and solidarity.
In Dhaka, the University’s Faculty of Fine Arts has staged its customary New Year’s rally, but with a significant shift in symbolism.
The decades-old Mangal Shobhajatra has been rechristened Barshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra, reflecting both a fresh beginning and a bolder tone.
One of this year’s striking motifs, titled the Portrait of Fascism, depicts the visage of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, juxtaposed with a dove symbolising peace—a visual statement of the rally's new theme: Noboborshe Oikotaan, Fascibader Obosaan (Harmony in the New Year, End of Fascism).
The change was formally announced on 11 April in a press briefing, following a meeting chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor Neaz Ahmed on 24 March.
The dawn of Baishakh was marked, as ever, by the renowned cultural organisation Chhayanaut, which welcomed the year with its 58th annual programme beneath the ancient banyan at Ramna Batamul.
Titled "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (My Liberation in Light), the event opened with a soul-stirring Raag Bhairavi and featured a curated selection of 24 performances—nine group songs, 12 solos and three recitations.
The celebration is being broadcast live on Chhayanaut’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and on Bangladesh Television.
In a message delivered on Sunday (13 April), Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended New Year’s greetings and emphasised the spirit of unity that binds the country’s diverse communities.
Speaking at the foundation-laying of Sampriti Bhaban at Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery, he noted: “Tomorrow, the first day of Baishakh, symbolises this harmony. Everyone is celebrating in their own way, upholding their customs and traditions.”
He added that Bangladesh's cultural fabric is woven from the beliefs and identities of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and the many ethnic communities across plains and hills—a living testament to the nation’s pluralistic heritage.
Opposition leaders also joined the chorus of greetings. Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman wished for a year of renewed aspirations, expressing hope that Baishakh would wash away “falsehood, injustice, lawlessness and unrest.” Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the day as a “vibrant expression of national unity”, a time for hearts to be filled with hope, not hostility.
Across Bangladesh, socio-cultural groups and educational institutions are holding events, while business communities—especially in rural regions—are reviving the age-old practice of Halkhata, opening new account books and sharing sweets with patrons in a gesture of goodwill.
The government has declared a public holiday, and national dailies are publishing special supplements, while both Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar are airing programmes celebrating the historical and cultural significance of the day.
To ensure the celebrations proceed without disruption, law enforcement agencies have deployed extensive security across the country.
Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Shahidur Rahman, confirmed the presence of intelligence teams, mobile courts, and enhanced surveillance to deter misconduct, particularly any form of harassment at public gatherings.
Authorities remain alert against any potential threats from extremist or anti-state actors, ensuring that the spirit of Pahela Baishakh—a spirit of unity, renewal and cultural pride—prevails undisturbed.
As the sun rises on the Bengali calendar, the people of Bangladesh step into a new year with open arms and open hearts, carrying forward the rhythm of tradition and the promise of change.
