Thousands of people gathered at Ramna Park and on Dhaka University campus to welcome the Bengali New Year 1422. Authorities concerned chalked out several traditional programmes to celebrate the occasion.

The Bengali year with Baishakh as the first month was introduced during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

People from all walks of life gathered to hail the occasion with warmth, colour and festivities.

The festivities began just after sunrise with hundreds of Bangalees gathering at Ramna Udyan where artistes welcomed the day with the traditional song for Pahela Baishakh by Rabindranath Tagore "Esho Hey Baishakh".

Mangal Shobhajatra, the traditional procession of Pahela Baishakh, began from the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University at 9:00am.

The Shobhajatra with the slogan "Onek Alo Jalo Moner Ondhokare" inspired the Bangalees to vow with spirit and patriotism to take their motherland ahead towards a better future.

Scores of people visited the traditional places with their near and dear ones to welcome the Bangla New Year 1422, defying the current political unrest in the country.

With the celebration, the whole nation hopes to build a beautiful Bangladesh together.