On April 14, 2026, while Bangladesh celebrated Pahela Baishakh with colorful festivities, the char regions of Kurigram remained untouched by the joy. In areas such as Rajibpur, Roumari, Chilmari, and Ulipur, residents continued their daily struggles, unaware or unable to participate in the traditional celebrations. For many, extreme poverty and the constant battle against nature have made the festival a distant luxury.

Locals described how most families live hand to mouth, unable to afford new clothes, festive meals, or visits to fairs. Frequent floods and river erosion have left nearly 400 chars deprived of basic needs, while poor communication infrastructure prevents participation in city events. Despite their hardships, residents still settle debts through traditional hal khata practices to maintain credit with local lenders.

Teachers and cultural activists in Kurigram expressed concern over the exclusion of char communities from national celebrations. They urged government and administrative initiatives to ensure that all citizens, regardless of location or wealth, can share in the cultural spirit of Pahela Baishakh.