On the eve of Bangla new year 1432, Professor Muhammad Yunus, the interim government chief in Dhaka called upon countrymen of the south Asian nation to work together for creating a discrimination-free Bangladesh, where every citizen remains happy, peaceful and progressive. The lone Nobel laureate of India’s immediate neighbour with a population of 170 million and currently functioning as chief adviser of the caretaker government, Prof Yunus sent a video message to the Muslim majority nation wishing everyone a joyous Pohela Boishakh (first day of Nababarsha that falls on 14 April of Gregorian calendar).
Bangladesh hosts a series of colourful processions, where the participants in traditional attires adore music and visual artifacts, to march on the streets to greet every dweller with good wishes. As usual a traditional procession (renamed as Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra) came out from the campus of Dhaka University in the capital. It was followed by a number of cultural programs at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Folk Art & Crafts Foundation premises and several other public places across the country organized on the occasion of Nababarsha.
“Let’s forget the past year’s sorrow and pain and move forward with a new conviction and enthusiasm,” said Prof Yunus observing that Pohela Boishakh remains a day of harmony and great reunion. The octogenarian gentleman opined that the new year festival helps the entire nation, irrespective of their religions, castes or creeds, to revitalize with a new spirit and commitment. Despite differences in beliefs and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and the various communities living on the mountains, valleys and plans of Bangladesh are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture, and traditions, he added.
Even though Bangladesh has standardized 14 April as the first day of Bengali Nababarsha, the people of West Bengal (and many other parts of Bharat) observe the day (Poila Boishakh) mostly on 15 April. The Assamese people observe Bohag/ Rongali Bihu to welcome the same new year 1432 (this time starting on 15 April 2025) following the Bhaskarabda era calendar. The era reflects the date of ascension of Bhaskara Barman, the seventh-century ruler of the giant Kamrup kingdom. The State government recognized Bhaskarabda (a lunisolar chart) along with Saka and English calendars.
India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on the occasion of Bohag Bihu, Vaisakhi, Vishu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also wished the people on Goru Bihu that symbolises the importance of farming in the life of the people of the State. “Today, Assam observes one of its most sacred and meaningful traditions — Goru Bihu, the first and most spiritually significant day of the Rongali Bihu celebrations. This day is dedicated to the worship of the cow (Gomata), who holds a divine place in Sanatan Hindu Dharma as the eternal nurturer, a symbol of motherhood, sustenance, and purity,” said Guv Acharya.
India’s another neighbour Myanmar celebrates its five-day new year Thingyan festival from 13 April, where 17 April marks the beginning of new year in the Arakanese (Rakhine) calendar. The festival witnesses water-splashing rituals among young men and women as well as community distribution of flowers with fragrance and illumination of pagodas and monasteries across the Buddhist majority nation. However, the civil war and disaster-torn Myanmar has celebrated the festival with melancholy this time while paying respect to all the victims of circumstances.
Earlier on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day (25 March) and Eid-ul-Fitr, Prof Yunus addressed the nation and set the road map for a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh. Elaborating on the government’s initiative for a major reform in various sectors, he revealed that the National Consensus Commission began its work and letters were sent to 38 political parties along with the full report and 166 recommendations received from six reform commissions. The political parties responded very positively to the reform work informing the commission which reforms they agreed with and in which they differed. The commission’s goal was to identify the areas where political parties are in agreement and prepare a list of these which would be the July Charter.
“Regarding the election, I have said this before and I say it again – the election will take place between December of this year and June of next year. We want the upcoming election to be the most free, fair, and acceptable election in the history of Bangladesh. For this, the Election Commission has already begun making all necessary preparations. I hope that political parties will start preparing for the election with great enthusiasm and energy,” said Prof Yunus.
A source close to Prof Yunus revealed that he wants to have the national election by the middle of next year. Recently, Prof Yunus urged two members of the National Consensus Commission to expedite the reform processes so that the next general election can be conducted by June 2026. The commission is undertaking a series of meetings with different political parties for consensus respecting the public opinions in regards to reform agendas. Till date eight political parties have discussed with the commission where the prime opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party is scheduled to talk in the next few days.
Prof Yunus also added during the national address that his goal was to take Bangladesh to unprecedented heights on the world map. To this end, we have expressed our interest in joining ASEAN, he stated, adding that recently Malaysia took over the chairmanship of ASEAN and he discussed this matter with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who extended support for it. Regarding the geographical location of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus commented that it was a fortunate nation bordering India, Nepal and Bhutan. “If these four countries of South Asia can create a joint economy, all four nations will benefit. Nepal and Bhutan are very eager to supply us with hydropower, and we are equally interested in receiving it,” he added.
Talking about the previous government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-who had to flee the country following a massive student-led agitation in July-August 2024-Prof Yunus highlighted the fact-finding report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, where it was clearly reported that around 1,400 people were killed during the protests. “Our July girls, who were at the front lines of the protests, were attacked by security forces and Awami League supporters and were even subjected to sexual abuse,” lamented Prof Yunus, adding that Hasina herself reportedly instructed security officers to kill the protestors.