Siddique Islam (National News Service) Dhaka, Thursday, April 14: millions of Bangladeshi at home and across the world welcomed Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year 1412, amid fanfare and gaiety.
Unprecedented security was put in and around the traditional venue of the occasion, Ramna Green, much ahead of the New Year's celebrations to avert any incidents similar to the bomb explosions that left 10 people killed there on this day in 1408 (2001).
Dog squad, RAB personnel, close-circuit security camera, metal detector – all were activated as part of an unprecedented security measures by the government, which was highly appreciated by the people who joined hands to celebrate the day.
Even then, festive euphoria gripped the whole city as well as across the country when people of different age groups took to the street wearing colorful dresses to welcome the new- year.
Streams of people thronged the roads of the capital joining the cultural events and welcoming the new-year in a festive mood.
Like every year, the main function took place at the foot of the 'Ramna Batamul' with the first light of the new Bangla year. Artistes of Chhayanat performed magnificent cultural function welcoming Bangla year 1412.
Different socio-cultural organisations arranged elaborate programmes welcoming the new-year and turned the whole Dhaka city into a city of festival.
Opposition Awami League also brought out a new year's procession at 7.30am from Bahadur Shah Park and that ended up at Ramna Batamul.
The day was a public holiday.
President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and opposition Leader Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting people on the eve of the Bengali New Year. (End/si)
