The celebration of the Bengali New Year or Pohela Boishakh, the festival of life for all communities and ethnic groups in Bangladesh. This year, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organized a series of programs to increase public participation in this New Year. Organized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
With the assistance of the Chinese Embassy, Dhaka and in collaboration with the Bangladesh National Parliament and Dhaka North City Corporation, a 'drone show' and 'concert' was organized for the city residents as one of the attractions on Pahela Boishakh. Yesterday, Pohela Boishakh 1432 B.E. (14 April 2025), Monday, the afternoon event began with a concert at Manik Mia Avenue at 3 pm.
The event was attended by Advisor to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and representatives of various countries' ambassadors to Bangladesh. Among others, Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md. Mofidur Rahman, Secretary and Director General (in-charge) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Mohammad Wares Hossain and senior officials of various ministries and departments were also present.
Afternoon concert:
The Basic Guitar Learning School, Bandarban performed at the beginning of the New Year concert. Then RNR performed music. The ensemble song ‘Eso Hey Boishakh ' was performed by all the artists. Two solo songs were performed by Mithun Chakra and 'Deora' and another traditional Pala song was performed by Islamuddin Palakar. Then the all-female Garo band F Minor performed. Atiya Anisha performed 3 solo songs including 'Cholo Niralay'.
Duet and 2 solo songs were performed by Rakib and Sagar Dewan and 2 duet songs were performed by Rakib and Arj Ali Ustad. Ahmed Hasan Sunny performed three songs, 'Majhe Majhe Tumi Ele', 'Manush Ken Erokom' and 'Golpo Na',while Parsa performed three songs, including the July uprising song.
Drone Show:
The main attraction of the event, the popular 'Drone Show', started at 7 pm. The 'Drone Show' was jointly organized by the Chinese Government and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh with the full support of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on the occasion of the Bengali New Year.
The 'Drone Show' is not only a milestone in China-Bangladesh relations, but also a memorable part of the program organized to mark the conclusion of the Youth Festival organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the celebration of Pohela Baishakh. A total of 2,600 drones were used to portray 12 motifs. The opening motif of the show is a tribute to the fighters of the July Uprising.
The 14-minute exhibition focuses on the joy of liberation, the fearless self-sacrifice of martyr Abu Sayeed in the July Uprising, women's awakening, the solidarity of the indigenous culture and people, and China-Bangladesh friendship. A picture in it also expresses solidarity with the Palestinian liberation struggle on behalf of the people of Bangladesh.
A six-member Chinese expert team began operating the 'drone show' in February. The 'drone show' is run by 13 Chinese pilots or drone experts.
Participation in the 'New Year's Eve Parade' in the morning:
Earlier, on the occasion of New Year, at 9:00 am, the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University organized the New Year's Unity, End Fascism 'New Year's Joyful Procession', organized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for the first time, 28 different ethnic groups participated in colorfully decorated processions.
Continuing the tradition and uniqueness, this year's procession has been organized to embrace folk traditions and the spirit of 24 in a more inclusive manner on a larger scale. The ethnic groups participating in the procession include Bengalis, Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tanchangya, Lusai, Pangkhua, Bom, Mro, Rakhine, Khumi, Banai, Santal, Orao, Turi, Mahali, Malpahari, Kol, Mahato, Munda Rajodar, Manipuri, Khasia, Cha-janagosthi, Garo, Hajong, Koch and Malo. In addition, more than two hundred band musicians participated in the procession and collectively performed songs in solidarity with the Palestinians for world peace.