BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described the Pahela Baishakh festivities, including the traditional Baishakhi procession, as an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and identity.“This Baishakhi  procession, this Anondo Shobhajatra any the  joyful celebrations of Baishakh are not mere rituals, but part of our cultural heritage. The Baishakhi  fairs, the palm-leaf fans, and bamboo flutes are all elements of our unique tradition,” he said. 

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a New Year celebration programme organised by the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) at Shatayu Prangon (Rani Mancha) in Ramna Park.

He also he extended Bengali New Year greetings with the audience. Salahuddin said celebrations must remain rooted in local tradition and not be reduced to commercial products. “We celebrated in our own way with fermented rice and hilsa. Let no one distort or commodify our culture. As citizens of this country, we will continue to preserve and nurture the heritage that has evolved over thousands of years,” he said. He warned against cultural distortions, saying, “It is our responsibility to eliminate those alien elements that seek to corrupt our historical and cultural values.”Salahuddin said that BNP celebrated Pahela Baishakh nationwide to reflect Bangladesh's heritage, linking it to the traditional Bengali calendar introduced during Emperor Akbar's time. He said this culture is not just for Muslims but for all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or background, to celebrate together in unity.

“We, who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism, uphold a culture that transcends religious, class, or ethnic boundaries. This is our shared identity,” the BNP leader said.