Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared a delightful anecdote on Facebook, writing: “While recording Chief Adviser Yunus’s New Year address on a shaded lawn by the Jamuna, a cuckoo flew in and began singing from a nearby tree. Sir smiled and said, ‘Looks like we won’t need any background music!’ The cuckoo kept singing throughout the 3.5-minute speech.” In his address, the Chief Adviser extended New Year wishes to the nation and called for renewed energy to move forward.

Upon returning from a week-long medical trip to Singapore, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reiterated his party’s commitment to national unity. “We have always believed in building a new Bangladesh through dialogue and unity,” he said. He expressed hope that the Bengali year 1432 would open a new horizon for the nation and bring joy and opportunity to every citizen. Speaking on upcoming elections in December, he added, “This issue too will be resolved.”

At 7 p.m. Monday, Bangladesh’s largest drone show lit up the Dhaka sky with stunning images, thanks to technical support from the Chinese Embassy and collaboration with the Shilpakala Academy. Themed “New Year, New Bangladesh,” the show at Manik Mia Avenue featured aerial displays of iconic figures like Abu Sayeed, symbolic protestor Mughdho, the 2024 heroes, broken cages, and prayers for Palestine. The symbolic imagery highlighted the recent student-led protests and calls for regime change. The drone show followed a cultural performance.

BNP central leader and convener Aminul Haque led a Boishakhi procession in Mirpur’s Pallabi and Rupnagar areas, joined by party activists and locals. He said, “The joy of the Bengali New Year has found expression in this public celebration. For the first time in a tyranny-free Bangladesh, people are celebrating their cultural heritage freely.” He conveyed New Year greetings on behalf of Tarique Rahman and called for a united, prosperous, and humane Bangladesh free from violence and political revenge.

Rabindra University in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj showcased powerful imagery at its Boishakhi fair—depicting both the 2024 mass uprising and the brutalities in Palestine under Israeli occupation. Alongside food stalls, students organized displays highlighting these issues. VC Prof. Dr. S.M. Hasan Talukder stated, “Pohela Boishakh reminds us of the richness of Bengali culture which inspires harmony across ethnic and religious lines.” He condemned global acts of imperialism, saying, “We denounce genocidal powers across the world from the new Bangladesh,” and expressed hope for a more humane and secure world in the new year.

For the first time, Bangladesh has synchronized its fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal with neighboring India to protect marine breeding. The 58-day ban begins at midnight on April 15 and runs until June 11. While welcoming the coordinated ban, fishermen in Barguna expressed frustration over the lack of promised rice aid. Since 2015, Bangladesh has enforced a 65-day annual fishing ban from May 20 to July 23. In contrast, India’s ban runs from April 15 to June 14. Fishermen claim that in previous years, Indian vessels exploited the ban period to fish in Bangladeshi waters. The new coordination is expected to stop this. Local fishermen thanked the Chief Adviser for the move, while the administration promised to distribute food aid promptly.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju said the recent mass uprising has renewed national unity. Speaking at a New Year celebration, he emphasized, “We must move forward together as a nation by embracing all cultural identities.” Criticizing past attempts to divide society on religious and cultural grounds, he said, “For too long, the New Year celebration was bogged down by ideological divisions. But now, all children of this soil—regardless of race or religion—must unite under our shared culture.” He also called for an end to confusion over elections and for the resolution of political uncertainty in the new year.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan extended Bengali New Year greetings to the nation and remarked that despite various obstacles and attempts to create disruption, the celebration was a success thanks to united efforts. He praised the team for organizing such a major event within just 8 days. Highlighting the goals behind the UN’s international recognition of the celebration, he emphasized showcasing Bangladesh’s diverse ethnic and cultural identity. “This year’s procession was the most vibrant and diverse ever,” he added, urging people not to lose the promise ignited by the mass uprising of 2024.

BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan has confirmed that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has returned to Dhaka on Monday evening after receiving medical treatment in Singapore. He traveled there with his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, on April 6 for a regular health checkup. Notably, in 2015, while imprisoned, a blockage was discovered in his internal carotid artery, after which he began annual follow-ups in Singapore.

In Netrokona’s Atpara, two leaders of the opposition youth group Jubo Dal assaulted the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) during a Pohela Boishakh event. The accused, Nur Farid Khan (secretary) and Modasser Hossain Kaiyum (joint convenor), reportedly tore down the event’s banner and confronted the UNO, Royal Sangma. Kaiyum later admitted that someone had sent him a banner image featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s name. They stormed the stage to inquire about it, creating a commotion. Officials clarified that the banner did not mention Mujib, after which the accused apologized to the administration.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has claimed that the Awami League’s political demise began with the student-led uprising in Dhaka and culminated in Delhi. He stated, “The fall of fascism through mass participation from students and citizens will be remembered as a historic event in South Asia.” He also accused the Awami League of trying to distort Bengali culture, saying, “Boishakhi parades, fairs, and panta rice are part of our heritage. To undermine this, they introduced the so-called Mongol Shobhajatra.” He urged citizens to uphold Bengali culture and reject Indian cultural influence.

In a disturbing incident in Brahmanbaria’s Akhaura, local businessman Suman Das forcibly cut a woman’s hair in public, accusing her of theft. With the help of his associate Rabbi, he pulled off the woman’s headscarf and cut her hair while she wore a burqa. Two other women and a child were also beaten with plastic pipes and rods. When bystanders tried to intervene, Suman allegedly issued threats. A video of the incident has gone viral. Suman owns SM Electric Corner, and Rabbi runs Maa Telecom. Locals gathered in front of Akhaura police station demanding swift arrest and punishment.

Jahangirnagar University celebrated Bengali New Year 1432 under the theme, “Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism, and Triumph of Humanity.” The rally began at 9:45 AM from the Old Arts Faculty premises and concluded at the base of the Amar Ekushey monument. Led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Kamrul Ahsan and organized by the Fine Arts Department, the celebration emphasized the universal appeal of the New Year. “This festival is an inseparable part of Bengali identity and should be a pledge to establish an inclusive, egalitarian society,” the VC said.

Jessore district administration honored sculptor Mahbub Jamal Shamim, pioneer of the Pohela Boishakh processions, on Monday morning. The event took place at the Jessore Collectorate premises, where Deputy Commissioner Md. Azaharul Islam presented Shamim with a crest and a check. “This honor is not mine alone—it belongs to all cultural activists, social and political figures, and the entire nation,” Shamim said. The tradition that began in Jessore is now celebrated with grandeur by Bengalis in India and around the world. A colorful procession followed the ceremony, wishing prosperity for all.

In a New Year’s message on Facebook, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman said, “Happy New Year 1432! Heartfelt greetings to all at home and abroad.” He expressed gratitude to Allah that people of all beliefs can celebrate freely. “I firmly believe that our youth, with their sense of responsibility, will elevate the nation to new heights and fulfill the people’s aspirations.”