DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for united efforts to build a happy, prosperous “Better Bangladesh”. “Let’s all work from our respective positions and unite to build a better Bangladesh. Regardless of religion and caste, everyone must come forward to build the country,” he said. The premier made the remarks at a greetings exchange event with leaders of the Protestant Church at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said a 13-member delegation, led by President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh Bishop Philip P Adhikari, met the Prime Minister and exchanged views with him on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

During the meeting, he said, the Prime Minister wished success and prosperity for the Christian community. The leaders of the Christian community invited the Prime Minister in advance to Christmas. Later, they presented him with a commemorative crest.

Greeting the Christian community on Easter Sunday, Tarique Rahman said, “We see people of all religions equally and love them in the same way. Religion belongs to individuals, but the country belongs to all. It is the responsibility of people of all religions to take the country forward”.

The Prime Minister said, “There was a perception that people of other religions do not vote for BNP. In the last election, this has been proven wrong. People of all religions voted for BNP and ensured victory.”

Noting the condition of the country under the previous government, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP Chairman, said the country was in a fragile state when the BNP assumed office through the people’s verdict.

“The economic sector, the communication sector and several other sectors were in a fragile condition. It felt like we had taken responsibility for a war-ravaged country,” he said. The premier further said that due to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, the Bangladesh has faced another crisis, particularly in the energy sector and highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle the fuel shortage situation triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Earlier, Bangladesh Bible Society General Secretary Rev Ashim Baroi, and retired Wing Commander Christopher M Adhikari of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh spoke at the event on behalf of the Christian community.

The Christian community leaders praised various welfare initiatives taken by the BNP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including family card, waiver of loans up to Taka 10,000 for farmers, and honorarium allowances for imams, muezzins, khadems, priests, sebaits, heads of Buddhist monasteries and Christian pastors.

The leaders also raised demands for representation of Christians in the reserved seats for women in Parliament and declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday. They expressed commitment to cooperate and work as partners with the government led by Tarique Rahman. Paying tribute to late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the Christian leaders said prayers were held for her in 7,000 churches and that prayers are now being offered daily for the current government. The Prime Minister assured that the demands of the Christian community would be considered.

DHAKA  – Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the Pahela Baishakh procession will be brought out under the name ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ instead of ‘Mangal’ or ‘Ananda’ Shobhajatra.

“The government has decided to adopt the name ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ to end ongoing debates and move forward with renewed enthusiasm,” he told journalists after a meeting at the conference room of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Secretariat, marking the upcoming Bangla New Year 1433.

The minister said there had long been discussions and criticisms surrounding the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, which he described as undesirable and potentially harmful to society. “To put an end to all controversies, the government has taken the decision,” he added.

He said preparations for the procession at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts faculty are progressing in full swing, adding that the procession will, as usual, begin from the faculty premises.

Highlighting the historical significance of Pahela Baishakh, the minister said the festival is deeply rooted in the agrarian traditions of Bengal, evolving around agriculture, seasonal cycles, and the beginning of a new year.

“It is a universal festival of all communities, including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo and other ethnic groups,” he said, adding that the present government is committed to unity in diversity.

DU Vice-Chancellor (VC), directors general of Kazi Nazrul Institute, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, along with the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and senior officials of the concerned ministries.

The minister said Pahela Baishakh symbolizes joy and prosperity, and the festival’s essence lies in welcoming the New Year by leaving behind past grievances and aspiring for a better future. He noted that the recent controversy over the naming of the procession would now come to an end.

He also informed that daylong cultural programmes will be held at various venues in the capital, including Ramna Batamul, to mark the occasion, with necessary preparations already completed by the concerned organisations. Regarding UNESCO, the minister said the authorities concerned will be formally informed about the naming decision.

The Cultural Minister said that the highest level of security measures will be in place for Pahela Baishakh celebrations, with law enforcement agencies deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, a press release issued by Dhaka University on Tuesday last said the procession will begin at 9:00am from the Faculty of Fine Arts, proceeding through Raju Sculpture, Doel Chattar and Bangla Academy, before returning to the starting point.

New York: The “Bangladesh Day Parade 2026” will take place in New York City on May 17, promising a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday (April 1) at the Nabanno Restaurant Party Hall in Jackson Heights. This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshals M. M. Shaheen, Chairman of the Weekly Thikana, and M. Aziz, CEO of NY Homecare and former Chairman of the Trustee Board of the Bangladesh Society.

Organizers have invited all members of the Bangladeshi community to participate in the event. The parade is scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

Key figures present at the press conference included Parade Committee Chair Attorney Moeen Chowdhury, Convener Gias Ahmed, Member Secretary Fahad Solaiman, Co-Chair Captain Prince Alam, Event Coordinator Famed Rocky, and Faisal Aziz, Director of NY Homecare and Grand Sponsor of the event. Speakers emphasized that the parade aims to strengthen unity and patriotism among the Bangladeshi diaspora, while also introducing the history and culture of Bangladesh to younger generations.

Organizations can register to participate in the parade free of charge this year. The event is jointly organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, Humanity Empowerment Rights, and Immigrants International. Organizers stated that extensive preparations are already underway, and a convening committee has been formed to ensure the success of the event. They expressed optimism that this year’s celebration will be even more colorful and engaging than previous editions.