A party, foreign states influenced Pahela Baishakh celebrations in last 16 years: Sarjis Alam

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam has alleged that foreign states, alongside a political party, exerted influence on Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the country over the past 16 years.

"In recent years, we witnessed the influence of not only a party but also foreign states in Nababarsha celebrations. Like that party, foreign state agencies had created alien culture to impose on Noboborsho celebrations," Sarjis said after visiting the grave of Shaheed Sagor Islam, who was killed during the mass uprising in July-August of last year in Nayek Para village under Chaklahat union of sadar upazila of Panchagarh district. 

The NCP leader emphasised upholding the traditional Bengali way of celebrating the Noboborsho. 

"We are going to experience a 'new Noboborsho' in a post-uprising environment. The history, traditions, and culture of Bangladesh that we possess – the manner through which we celebrate the event in rural Bengal, what was embraced by our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers – all these constitute our core culture," he added.

He further expressed hope that this authentic heritage would be reflected in the upcoming Noboborsho celebrations.

"If we celebrate the event with these traditions in mind, it will represent our true identity. We hope that the subculture of any foreign country or specific region should not influence our culture. Our original culture should not be highlighted," he said.

Chairman of Chaklahat union Robiul Islam, martyr Shaheed Sagor's father Md. Robiul Islam, an organizer of Panchagarh district NCP Tanbirul Bari, among others, were present there.