Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called upon the people of the country to join hands in building a new Bangladesh which is "happy, peaceful and prosperous" without any discrimination.

"Let building a Bangladesh without discrimination be our commitment in this Bangla New Year," he said in a message marking the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, on Monday.

Prof Yunus said the mass uprising of '24 has provided them with the opportunity to build a Bangladesh that is happy, prosperous, peaceful and joyful.

"Let us forget the past year's sorrow and pain and move forward with a new conviction and new enthusiasm," he said.

Urging all to play an active role in protecting the country's culture and heritage and spreading those across the world, the chief adviser said that on this day, the country's people get the opportunity to showcase their tradition to the world in a festive atmosphere.

"Pahela Baishakh is the festival of our lives, the universal festival of Bangalees. Wherever the Bangalees are in the world, today is a day of joy for all of us," he said.

At Baisakhi fairs across the country, Prof Yunus said entrepreneurs can showcase their creativity by making traditional shital pati, clay pots, pans, toys, hand fans, etc., marking this occasion.

He said various ethnic groups in the hills and plain lands are also celebrating Chaitra Sankranti and Bangla Nababarsha on a large scale this time.

The chief adviser hoped that the Bangla new year would usher in good days and joy for everyone.