Bangladesh has already cast off misfortune, according Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Speaking on Monday (14 April) at the annual Naboborsho festivities under the ancient banyan tree at Ramna, Shafiqul Alam remarked, “We are trying to build a new Bangladesh. The remnants of ill omen that linger will soon be gone as well.”
Wishing the nation well on the occasion of Bengali New Year 1432, he noted, “We are celebrating Naboborsho in a fresh spirit in this new Bangladesh. It has become a true gathering of hearts—everyone is here, participating in the festivities.”
He expressed optimism that the country is moving towards greater prosperity, saying, “We want everyone in this new Bangladesh to live in happiness. Let the country continue progressing, and let all that is dark, fallen, and inauspicious be swept away.”
In a social media post published at around 10:30am on Monday, Shafiqul Alam added a provocative political note.
The post appeared to allude to the masked effigy of a so-called "face of fascist" included in this year’s pageantry.
As in previous years, the New Year was welcomed with a burst of colours and celebratory fervour—but this time, with a distinctive edge.
A vibrant parade began at 9am from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, with thousands of revellers taking part.
The procession featured traditional masks, puppets, and towering bamboo structures in the shapes of tigers, birds and fish—depicting rural life and the elemental struggles of nature-reliant communities.
Many participants also expressed solidarity with global causes, including Palestine.
Despite the merriment, the undertone of the event reflected a yearning for transformation—both personal and political—as Bangladesh steps into the new year with renewed resolve.
