Dazzling Drone Display Delights Dhaka on Pohela Boishakh
Under the theme "New Year, New Bangladesh", a spectacular drone show illuminated the skies of Dhaka on the occasion of Bangla New Year 1432. The event, a first of its kind, captivated hundreds of thousands in the capital and millions more online as 2,600 drones performed a 14-minute aerial exhibition filled with symbolism and emotion.
On Monday evening, April 14, the skyline above Manik Mia Avenue turned into a canvas of light and movement, presenting a vivid storytelling experience through drone formations. The event was jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, with technical support and sponsorship from the Embassy of China in Dhaka.
Following a concert that began at 3 PM, the drone show commenced at 7 PM, drawing large crowds in an open-access setting. The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with excitement and anticipation among Dhaka residents.
The show opened with the image of a caged bird held in a hand. Moments later, the cage opened and the bird flew free, followed by the text “Rebirth 36 July” forming across the sky. The tribute continued with the iconic image of martyr Abu Saeed with outstretched arms from the July Movement. This was followed by the image of martyr Mugdho carrying water, accompanied by the powerful phrase “Pani Lagbe Pani?” ("Anybody needs water?").
The sequence progressed with a silhouetted image of a protesting woman and then the famed image of a rickshaw-puller saluting during the movement. Bangladesh's national flower, the water lily (shapla), also made a majestic appearance above the capital.
In a tribute to the nation's history, “1971” — the year of Bangladesh’s Liberation War — appeared next, followed by “2024” as a nod to the ongoing July Revolution. The image of a person holding a flag gradually emerged as the year 1971 faded, signifying a bridge between past and present resistance.
The drone show also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, victims of Israeli aggression. Drones formed the Palestinian flag, a dove of peace, and the phrase “Prayers for Palestine,” followed by an angelic figure in the sky.
Celebrating the growing bond between China and Bangladesh, the drones formed images representing the friendship between the two nations, including the message “Long Live China-Bangladesh Friendship.”
The show concluded with a glowing greeting in Bangla, “Shuvo Noboborsho,” wishing everyone a happy Bengali New Year.
According to organizers, “This event stands as a symbol of Bangladesh-China friendship and reflects a shared vision for peace, progress, and cultural celebration.”
