Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus highlighted the significance of Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, as a symbol of unity and harmony among the diverse communities of Bangladesh.
Speaking on the eve of the celebration, he conveyed his warm greetings to the nation, emphasizing that Pahela Baishakh is a day that unites people, irrespective of their religious or cultural differences.
"Tomorrow, Pahela Baishakh, is one of the symbols of our harmony. It is a day when everyone celebrates in their own way, following their customs and traditions. Despite our differences, we all come together to participate in this universal festival," Professor Yunus remarked during his speech at a Sampriti assembly in the capital, Dhaka.
The occasion marked the laying of the foundation stone for the Sampriti Bhaban, an initiative aimed at promoting harmony and understanding among diverse communities in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser further underscored that the country's people, despite their varied beliefs, religions, and customs, are all part of one larger family.
"The Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and people from the hills and plains of this country – together, we share the same land, language, and a rich mosaic of cultures and traditions. We may have different beliefs, but our common identity as Bangladeshis unites us," he said.
The ceremony also featured remarks from several prominent figures, including Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, and Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik.
The event was held at the International Buddhist Monastery in Dhaka, where the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation organized a special program. Venerable Dharmapriya Mahathera, Deputy Chief Patriarch of the Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council, chaired the session.
Other notable attendees included Professor Sukomal Barua, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council, and Venerable Bhikkhu Sunandapriya, Deputy Chief of the International Buddhist Monastery.
This vibrant celebration of Pahela Baishakh not only marks the arrival of the new year but also serves as a reminder of the enduring values of peace, unity, and respect for diversity that are at the core of Bangladesh's social fabric.
