New year will give impetus to fight against evil forces: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed hope that Bengali New Year 1431 will inspire us to fight militancy, fundamentalism, extremism, terrorism and anti-liberation war evil forces. The Prime Minister said this in a message on the occasion of Bengali New Year tomorrow (April 14).
Sheikh Hasina said, "Happy New Year" 1431. On this festive Bengali New Year day, I extend my sincere greetings and congratulations to all the Bengalis including the countrymen.
He said, 'Pahela Boishakh is the first day of Bengali Sun. It is a public festival. On this day, the new year is welcomed in a joyful atmosphere. Since time immemorial, the entire nation, regardless of caste and religion, wakes up with new life and new commitment in this festival of New Year. Forgetting the sorrows, filth and failures of the whole year, Bengali composes the amalgamation of harmony, cordiality, joy and love.
The Prime Minister said, "Pahela Boishakh" occupies a special place in Bengali tradition. Bengali New Year celebration started from the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Sarat Akbar started counting the Bengali year as 'Fasli year' for the convenience of agriculture, over time it has become a commemorative festival of non-communal spirit for all Bengalis. Pahela Boishakh is a reflection of Bengaliyana. This celebration traces our roots, through which the identity of the nation can be traced.'
He said, 'Pahela Boishakh is a unique festival in every Bengali home, public life and socio-economic culture.
Centered on Pahela Baishakh, along with Halkhata, folk-culture comes back to life through the colorful organization of fairs with various activities including yatra songs, pala songs, puppet dances, regional folk music, sports, the country's economy and small and cottage industries prosper, and business and trade accelerate.
The Prime Minister said that Pahela Boishakh is a sign of full-hearted growth. It teaches to hold and cherish tradition and culture. Pahela Boishakh brings new brightness to our minds in the practice of secularism and fight against evil forces. That is why we have been able to stop the Pakistani colonial evil forces, who wanted to destroy the Bengali heritage, by resisting Durbar.
He said, "Strengthened by the power of self-identity and our own culture, we jumped into the struggle for liberation under the leadership of the greatest Bengali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman." The combined flow of culture and politics turned into a struggle for independence and freedom. This is how independent sovereign Bangladesh has emerged in the heart of the world.
Expressing the hope that Bengalis will become the best nation in the world society by nurturing history, tradition and culture, Sheikh Hasina said, 'In line with this, UNESCO has recognized the 'Mangal Shobhayatra' of Pahela Boishakh in 2016 as a world cultural heritage. International recognition on New Year's Day is undoubtedly a great achievement for Bengalis all over the world.
The Prime Minister said that the motto of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's lifelong struggle for non-sectarian, liberal, nationalist and democratic ideology was ethnic heritage and pride. That's why his same spirit worked in achieving the independence of Bangladesh and rebuilding the country. We are a nation of heroes, no one can claim this nation. It is my firm belief that Bengali's achievements and progress will be eternally shining in the path of time to time.
He said, 'With the combined efforts of all, we will be able to build the golden Bangladesh of the father of the nation's dream of being free from hunger and poverty, insha'Allah.' Let's move forward with new enthusiasm. Build a happy, peaceful, joyful Bangladesh. Bangla New Year 1431 Let this be our pledge.
In the poet's words...
Let's wipe away the sadness, let's get rid of the rust,
Be purified in the bath of fire.
Let me dry the passion of the juice.
Bring it, bring it, but the shell of the deluge
Maya Kujjhtijal let go away.
Come, O Baisakh, come, come...
