Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday called upon the people of the country to join hands in building a new Bangladesh which is “happy, peaceful and prosperous” without any discrimination. 

“Let building a Bangladesh without discrimination be our commitment in this Bangla New Year,” he said in a message marking the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bnagla New Year that falls on April 14. 

Dr Yunus said the mass uprising of ’24 has given them the opportunity to build a Bangladesh without discrimination and this uprising inspires them to build a new Bangladesh that is happy, prosperous, peaceful and joyful.

“Let us forget the past year’s sorrow and pain and move forward with a new conviction and new enthusiasm,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said Pahela Baishakh holds a special place in the traditional Bangla tradition and Pahela Baishakh is the day of harmony and great reunion.

For a long time, on this festival of Bangla New Year, the entire Bengali nation, regardless of religion or caste, awakens with a new spirit and a new commitment, he said.

Forgetting the sorrows, filth and failures of the whole year, Dr Yunus said, people create a combination of harmony, friendship, joy and love on this day.

The celebration of Bangla New Year originally began during the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

The beginning of counting the Bangla year as ‘crop year’ by Emperor Akbar for the convenience of agricultural work has become a commemorative festival of non-communal consciousness for all Bengalis over time.

Dr Yunus extended his Bangla New Year greetings to the people of the country wishing the success of all the initiatives organised on the occasion of the Bangla New Year.

Earlier speaking at a function, the Chief Adviser said they are members of one family upholding harmony as the country is set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, on Monday.

"Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way in line with their own customs and participate in this festival," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery.

Dr Yunus said that despite differences in beliefs, religions and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and the various communities living across the mountains and plains of this country are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture and tradition.