Staff Reporter:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday issued a message greeting the countrymen on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year 1432, to be celebrated today.
In his message, the Chief Adviser extended his warm greetings to the nation, saying, “Happy New Year 1432. On this occasion of the Bangla New Year, I convey my heartfelt greetings to all coun-trymen.”
Mentioning that the traditional celebration of “Pahela Baishakh” holds a unique and cherished place in Bangalee culture, he said, “It is a day of unity and grand reunion for the Bengalees.”
“For generations, the entire Bangalee nation – regardless of religion or caste – has embraced the New Year with renewed spirit and fresh commitments,” he said, adding, “On this day, people set aside the sorrows, burdens, and disappointments of the past year, coming together in a spirit of harmony, friendship, joy, and love.”
The Chief Adviser noted that the celebration of the Bangla New Year started during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It was he who initiated the counting of the Bangla year as the “Fasoli year” to facilitate agricultural activities, a tradition that has, over time, come to symbolize a spirit of secular unity for all Bangalees, he added.
Professor Yunus said, “As we welcome the New Year, let us leave behind the grief, hardships, and misfortunes of the past and step forward with renewed hope and enthusiasm.”
He observed that the mass uprising of ’24 has opened the path for building a Bangladesh free from all forms of discrimination.
“It inspires us to work towards a Bangladesh that is inclusive, happy, prosperous, peaceful, and vibrant,” he said, adding, “Let this New Year be marked by our shared commitment to creating such a nation.”
The Chief Adviser wished of the success of all the initiatives taken on the occasion of the New Year.
