Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has extended his warmest greetings to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year.
In a video message released on Sunday (April 13), ahead of the celebrations marking the first day of Bengali year 1432 on Monday (April 14), Professor Yunus said, “Shubho Noboborsho 1432. I extend my heartfelt greetings to the nation on this occasion of Bengali New Year. This is a day of unity and grand reunion for Bengalis.”
He emphasized that the entire Bengali nation, regardless of religion or ethnicity, embraces the New Year with renewed spirit and commitment. “It is a day when people leave behind sorrow, burdens, and despair of the past year and unite in harmony, friendship, joy, and love,” he added.
Highlighting the historical roots of the celebration, Professor Yunus noted that the observance of Pahela Baishakh began during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. “To simplify agricultural taxation, Akbar introduced the ‘Fasli Year’, which eventually became what we now know as the Bengali calendar. Over time, this tradition has evolved into a symbol of secular unity among Bengalis.”
Looking ahead, Professor Yunus called on the nation to embrace the New Year with renewed hope and motivation. “Let us leave behind the pain and misfortune of the past and move forward with new aspirations. The mass uprising of 2024 has paved the way for building a Bangladesh free from all forms of discrimination. It inspires us to work towards a more inclusive, happy, prosperous, peaceful, and vibrant nation.”
He concluded by wishing success for all initiatives undertaken in celebration of the New Year.
