Dhaka, April 13 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed her heartfelt wishes to the citizens of Bangladesh as they celebrate Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. She emphasized that the anti-liberation and unconstitutional forces have consistently aimed to diminish the significance of this festival, an ongoing challenge that persists today.

“Pohela Boishakh is a pivotal festival that embodies Bengali cultural heritage. This day symbolizes renewal, where joy prevails as people cast aside sorrow, decay, and despair. Originating from a harvest calendar during the Mughal period, it has transformed into a paramount cultural celebration for all Bengalis, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries, and is now embraced by the global Bengali community,” Hasina stated in a message shared on the Awami League's social media on Monday.

Reflecting on the cultural suppression experienced in East Pakistan, Hasina remarked, “During the undivided Bangladesh era, the Pakistani regime attempted to detach Bengalis from their traditions by hindering the celebration of Pohela Boishakh. They even sought to obstruct the centenary celebration of Rabindranath Tagore, a monumental figure in Bengali literature. Consequently, in independent Bangladesh, Pohela Boishakh has emerged as a symbol of national resurgence, unity, and harmony among the populace.”

The former Prime Minister drew attention to the Mangal Shobhajatra, a traditional mass procession that takes place during Pohela Boishakh, which has been recognized as part of world heritage by UNESCO, thanks to the efforts of the Awami League government.

She also mentioned that her administration introduced the “Boishakhi allowance” for workers in honor of the festival.

Expressing her apprehension, Hasina stated, “We have witnessed that anti-liberation and unconstitutional forces continue their attempts to undermine this celebration. They have even gone so far as to propose renaming the Mangal Shobhajatra. This festivity, deeply rooted in agrarian traditions linked to crop harvesting, has evolved over centuries into the New Year celebration. Many countries, including China and Iran, hold their New Year festivities as crucial national events.”

She affirmed that the festival reflects a “cultural tradition,” asserting, “Utilizing religion to disrupt this celebration is merely another tactic of division.”

Hasina expressed her hope that the ongoing celebration of Pohela Boishakh would foster the revival of a secular Bangladesh.