President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the nation on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year.
In separate messages on the eve of Pahela Baishakh 1421, they wished peace, happiness and prosperity of the people and the country in the upcoming year, reported BSS.
The President, in his message, said the Pahela Baishakh is a unique day as per the heritage of Bangla, which inspires all to advance towards progress leaving behind the past.
The celebration of Choitra Sangkranti (end of the Bangla year) and the Baishakhi fairs across the country play a unique role in the expansion of the indigenous culture, he observed.
He said the use of the Bangla year in the country's art, literature, culture, trade and commerce, and in family and social life is unanimous.
Therefore, the appeal of the Bangla New Year is universal and everlasting, the President said.
He hoped that the Bangla New Year would further strengthen national unity and bring boundless joy for all.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangla New Year is a universal festival of the Bangalees.
Bangla New Year means colourful festivals of indigenous Bangalee culture, it's time to get inspired with new hopes, she said.
Hence, the Bangla Nababarsha (new year) appears in a new shape every year in the works of our writers, poets and artists, she added.
Prior to the Pahela Baishakh, fairs and other celebrations start on the day of Choitra Shangkranti across the country, which contribute to the economy along with recreations, the Prime Minister said.
"Bangla New Year sharpens our spirit and the feeling of nationality," she said and added that there were conspiracies before and after the independence to foil this spirit in the New Year celebrations.
"There were blows again and again. People were killed in bombing. But no evil attempt of the fanatic, communal forces was successful," she said.
The Bangalees have contained the Bangla New Year as a component of lifestyle and culture, she added.
The Prime Minister hoped the celebration of Bangla Nababarsha would help the nationhood flourish further, unite the nation and resist communal, fanatic and anti-country evil forces.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry, on behalf of President Barack Obama and the US people greeted all Bangalees on the occasion of Bangla New Year.