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.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, from prison, issued a message on the Bengali New Year urging the restoration of voting rights. “People’s fundamental rights were snatched by the fascist Hasina regime to establish autocracy,” he stated. Recalling the ongoing July Movement, he said, “Even in prison, I hear the fiery spirit of the youth. Police admit that when one protester is shot, another takes their place.” Rizvi also condemned cultural manipulation over the past 15 years, including propaganda targeting BNP leadership during festivals. “Why is electoral reform seen as separate from democracy? Democracy is a flowing river—voting rights are its lifeblood.”

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Consensus Party (NCP), criticized previous governments for turning Pohela Boishakh into a political tool. “Its inclusive spirit was lost,” he said. “For the first time, we are celebrating a Boishakh free of fascist influence and the Hasina regime.” Emphasizing that the July Movement is for state transformation, not individual change, Nahid said, “The ongoing reforms must be implemented swiftly. Justice and change must be visible soon. The NCP is advancing with the agenda of forming a Constituent Assembly to dismantle fascism and restructure the state.”

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has demanded that the national daily Prothom Alo publicly apologize for using an image of a dog in an Eid greeting cartoon published on March 30. Recalling a previous instance where the editor apologized publicly at Baitul Mukarram for alleged disrespect toward the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he said, “This act shows a deeply offensive mindset. Even a sacred celebration like Eid was not spared. This cartoon must be retracted, and an apology to the nation is mandatory.”

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki claimed that the Mongol Shobhajatra had previously been exploited by certain political groups for their own benefit. This year, he said, the procession returned to its roots—a celebration by and for the people, free of political interference.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam declared that the nation has already rid itself of many negative elements, and whatever remains will soon disappear. Speaking during the New Year festivities, he emphasized that the festival has turned into a joyful national gathering. “This celebration is for everyone—plains or hills, all ethnic groups,” he said, also noting the continued progress of the country.

Myanmar has returned 20 Bangladeshi nationals who were detained for attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain, oversaw the repatriation and reiterated the embassy’s commitment to verifying and facilitating the return of all detained Bangladeshis. Over the past two years, 352 citizens have been repatriated, including 85 last September.

With the theme “Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism,” this year’s Mongol Shobhajatra concluded back at the Faculty of Fine Arts after traversing Shahbagh, TSC, Central Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy. Starting at 9 AM, thousands from all walks of life joined the jubilant procession, celebrating the Bengali spirit with vibrant art and cultural performances.

Participants in this year’s Mongol Shobhajatra expressed strong solidarity with Palestine. Many carried Palestinian flags and placards reading “Free Palestine.” A giant watermelon sculpture, symbolizing resistance and resilience, was also featured. Organizers explained that the colors of the watermelon reflect those of the Palestinian flag, making it a powerful cultural symbol of their ongoing struggle.

In a tragic incident in Chandina, Cumilla, a man named Md. Sabuj attempted self-immolation after being falsely accused of theft. Sabuj, whose body sustained 30–35% burns, was hospitalized in Cumilla Medical College. The incident followed an unfair fine of BDT 50,000 imposed by local leaders after two auto-rickshaws went missing during his night watch. Unable to pay, Sabuj refused the judgment. On Sunday, under pressure and provocation, he was detained and his rickshaw seized—leading to the desperate act.