Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Bangla New Year 1432, calling on all citizens to work together with renewed commitment and enthusiasm to build a new, discrimination-free Bangladesh.
In a video message marking Pahela Baishakh, Prof Yunus described the day as one of harmony and unity, saying, “Today is the day to bring everyone closer.” He urged the people to seize the opportunity created by the 2024 mass uprising to build a more equitable nation.
“This is the first New Year of the new Bangladesh. Let us leave behind the sorrows and hardships of the past and move forward with determination and hope,” he said.
The Chief Adviser encouraged everyone to play an active role in preserving and promoting the country’s rich culture and heritage. He noted that Pahela Baishakh offers a chance to present Bangladesh’s long-standing traditions to both younger generations and the global community.
Calling it “the festival of our lives,” he said, “Pahela Baishakh is a universal celebration for all Bangalees across the world.”
Prof Yunus also highlighted the agricultural roots of the Bangla calendar, noting its continued relevance in rural life. “The Bangla Year began as a ‘crop year’ to support farming, and even today, our farmers count their seasons using this calendar,” he said.
He emphasized the enduring tradition of ‘Halkhata’—a new ledger initiated by traders—which is still observed in marketplaces across the country.
At Baisakhi fairs, he said, local artisans showcase traditional crafts such as shital pati, clay pots, toys, and hand-fans, celebrating Bangladesh’s cultural diversity. He also noted that various indigenous communities are celebrating Chaitra Sankranti and Bangla Nababarsha on a large scale this year.
Expressing hope for a brighter future, Prof Yunus wished success for all the celebrations marking the New Year, adding that Nababarsha 1432 would bring joy and prosperity to all.
