Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has welcomed Pahela Baishakh and Bangla New Year 1433 through a rich blend of cultural performances including Baishakhi procession, puppet shows, Baul music, and Gazi’s Pothgan.
On Tuesday, 14 April, the day-long program at the DRU premises in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, was inaugurated in the morning by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan.
In his chief guest speech, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan extended New Year greetings to journalists and the people of the country, saying, “Farmers and agriculture are the main driving force of our economy. The elected government has placed agriculture and farmers at the center of the country’s economy.” He further noted that in line with the tradition of the Bangla calendar introduced by Mughal emperors, the government has chosen Pahela Baishakh this year as the launching day for the distribution of ‘Farmers Card’.
The minister highlighted the government’s objectives, saying, “The Prime Minister today formally inaugurated the Farmers Card distribution program in Tangail. Our main challenge is to rebuild the economy and make the country self-reliant. For that purpose, our slogan is— ‘Bangladesh First’.” He described the peaceful nationwide celebration of the New Year as a reflection of a normal democratic environment.
Prime Minister’s speech writer Mahfuzur Rahman spoke as a special guest at the event.
In his presidential remarks, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon said, “New government, new democracy, and new year—this combination has made this year’s Baishakh celebration a different experience.”
DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohail conducted the program. He expressed satisfaction over the spontaneous participation of the general public in this year’s Baishakhi celebrations compared to previous years. He also expressed gratitude to sponsoring organizations and DRU members for making the day-long program a success.
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan inaugurated DRU’s traditional puppet show exhibition. Later, after the festive rally and discussion session, DRU leaders presented crests to invited guests.
The event was attended by Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Mostafa Zulfikar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu), Md. Sujauddaula (Sojol Mahmud), Shahadat Hossain Swadhin, former DRU President Shakhawat Hossain Badsha, Saiful Islam, Ilyas Hossain, Rafiqul Islam Azad, former General Secretary Raju Ahmed, Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Md. Shahidul Islam, General Secretary Khurshed Alam, former National Press Club General Secretary Syed Abdal Ahmed, along with journalists from various media outlets.
DRU Executive Committee Joint Secretary Md. Jafar Iqbal, Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohail, Women Affairs Secretary Jannatul Ferdous Panna, Publicity and Publication Secretary Mizan Chowdhury, ICT and Training Secretary Mahmud Sohail, Sports Secretary Omar Faruk Rubel, Cultural Secretary Md. Monowar Hossain, Hospitality Secretary Aminul Haque Bhuiyan, and Executive Members Ali Azam, Mahfuz Sadi, Al-Amin Azad, Mohammad Naimuddin, Suman Chowdhury, and Md. Mazaharul Islam were also present at the event.
The event was supported by event management company SASS, with partner Round The Clock. Sponsors included Dhaka Bank, City Bank, Orion Group, Nirman, Eastern Bank, and Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC.
DBTech/SM/EK/OR
