Pahela Baishakh, the Bangla New Year’s Day is being celebrated in Bangladesh amid traditional festivity and fervour. Baishakhi fairs, colourful processions, musical soirees, poetry recitation sessions, discussion meetings and cultural programmes are being held across the country marking the day. The day marks the beginning of the financial year of businesses, All shops and business establishments open new accounts books (haal Khata) settling the accounts of the previous year and treat their clients with sweets and gifts.
For some years now taking watered rice with fried hilsha fish as breakfast has become a part of the celebration. Many families had arranged this breakfast menu at homes. Shops serving this food have sprung up near fairs and other Pahela Baishakh programmes.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bnp chief Begum Khaleda Zia in separate messages have wished the people a happy Pahela Baishakh.
Police has assured of foolproof security in Dhaka ahead of Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Additional forces of police, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and plainclothes from intelligence agencies will remain alert at Ramna Batamul, Dhaka University campuses and Rabindra Sarobar areas to make the effort a success.
The DMP has asked organiser of such programmes to finish their cultural or other kinds of events by 5:30pm on that day. – Staff Reporter
