Bangladesh all set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh
Security beefed up for peaceful celebrations, say police, RAB
To celebrate the universal folk festival Pahela Baishakh, marking the Bangla New Year 1432, Bangladesh is in the final stages of preparation. The day is embraced with joy and enthusiasm, symbolising renewal, well-being, and the hope for peace, happiness, and prosperity.
The entire country, including the capital, comes alive with vibrant festivities. Cultural programmes, colorful decorations, and traditional music fill the air as various organisations celebrate the occasion with dignity and pride. Celebrations will begin today with the national anthem and the song "Eso He Baishakh."
The main event, Ananda Shobhajatra, will be held at 9am, organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. This year's procession will carry powerful symbolic floats, including representations of the "Face of Fascism" and the "Pigeon of Peace." These floats, which were torched by an unknown youth on 12 April, are being reconstructed.
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Organisers said that the "Pigeon of Peace" was restored by Sunday while the "Face of Fascism" is expected to be completed by early morning on the day of the festival. The theme of this year's celebration is "Unity of Noboborsho, End of Fascism."
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has identified a suspect in connection with the vandalism and expects to make an arrest before the procession. Dhaka University has filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station against unidentified members of the banned Chhatra League.
100-foot-long Patachitra at Shobhajatra
A 100-foot-long Patachitra—a traditional Bangalee scroll painting—will be the showstopper at this year's Anondo Shobhajatra, set to take place on Pahela Baishakh.
Unveiled at the Faculty of Fine Arts, the massive scroll is divided into five 20-foot segments, depicting legendary tales such as Gazi's Pat, Bonbibi, Behula-Lakhindar, the Mughal era, Emperor Akbar's contributions, and the spirit of the July Movement.
Artist Nazir Hossain, who leads the project, said, "For the first time, the shobhajatra will showcase a breathtaking 100-foot Patachitra-an age-old traditional scroll painting segmented into five equal parts of 20 feet each. "With different names, it depicts the heritage and history of Bangladesh," he added.
The vibrant celebration will also feature a striking symbol titled the "Face of Fascism." Despite being previously destroyed by arson; artists are preparing a smaller version of the symbolic face.
"It's not aimed at any individual or group but sends a clear message against authoritarianism," said Misbah Uddin Ahamed, a contributing artist.
Assistant Proctor Md Israfil Prang said maximum security has been ensured for this year's Baishakh Shobhajatra, which starts at 9am from the Faculty of Fine Arts. The procession will pass the National Museum, circle Shahbagh, move past TSC and the Central Shaheed Minar, loop around Doel Chattar, and return to the starting point.
A recreated face symbolising fascism—previously burned—will be featured, along with vibrant displays of Bengali heritage: hilsa, the Royal Bengal Tiger, doves, palanquins, folk horses, patachitra, watermelon slices, 'Mugdho' water bottles, and colorful masks, he added.
Participants include 28 ethnic communities, 200 guitarists, poetry groups, and students from various universities, he added.
He added that during the Shobhajatra, only the Nilkhet and Plashi Gates of the university will remain open, while all other gates will be closed.
All-out security measures
To ensure safety of the celebration programmes, law enforcement agencies, including police and RAB, have taken all-out security measures.
"We have already taken an all-encompassing measure to ensure foolproof security across the country to guarantee a peaceful and joyous celebration of the Pahela Baishakh," Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of media at the Police Headquarters, Enamul Haque Sagor, was quoted by BSS as saying on the eve of the occasion.
Responding to a query regarding any potential security threats over celebration of the Pahela Baishakh, he said, "There is no security threat. But, we are well aware."
Adequate numbers of law enforcement agencies in uniforms and plainclothes have already been deployed in Dhaka and elsewhere to pursue a peaceful celebration of the Pahela Baishakh, said Sagor, also spokesperson of the Bangladesh Police.
Director General of RAB, Shahidur Rahman, said he believes this year's Pahela Baishakh festivities will be held in a more joyful and secure atmosphere compared to previous years.
RAB's patrol teams, including motorcycle units and vehicle patrols, will be deployed, and observation towers will be installed at major venues on the day, he told reporters after inspecting security arrangements at the Ramna Batamul, reports UNB.
With art, activism, and cultural pride at its core, this year's Anondo Shobhajatra promises to be a powerful celebration of Bengali heritage.
