Bengali New Year

Opinion / Why the backlash against Mongol Shobhojatra is worrying

The backlash against Pahela Baishakh and broader Bengali culture is unlikely to be resolved any time soon.

6 books to enjoy the spirit of Pahela Baishakh

These books, among many others, can help readers feel the spirit of the Bangali new year in all its vibrant colours

No clash between religion and culture: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said culture has no clash with religion -- referring to numerous attacks on cultural programmes including bombings at Pahela Baishakh celebration.

Trump admin wishes joyous Pahela Baishakh

The Trump administration greets Bengalis across the world on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year.

Obama’s greetings on Pahela Baishakh

US President Barack Obama today sent his greetings to Bangladeshi peoples on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year.

PM urges all to exercise tolerance

Extending her heartfelt greetings to all, including expatriate Bangladeshis on Pahela Baishakh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says everybody needs to exercise tolerance as it is essential for the country's uninterrupted development.

Pahela Baishakh / No hilsa on Bangladesh PM Hasina's menu

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has decided to strike hilsa off tomorrow's menu at her official residence, Gono Bhaban, in an effort to discourage people from having jatka (hilsa fry) on Pahela Baishakh.

Evening ban to limit festivity

Slapping a ban on outdoor programmes in the evening of Pahela Baishakh should not be a way to protect women; it will only add fuel to extremism opposed to women's freedom, rights activists said yesterday.

‘Will not have Hilsa on Pahela Baishakh’

Hilsa, our national fish, has become an inseparable part of Pahela Baishakh (Bangla New Year) celebrations, but experts say the practice has no roots in a thousand years of Bengali tradition.

May 12, 2015
May 12, 2015

Police brutality again!

We deplore in the strongest possible terms the police brutality on the activists, some of them women, who were demanding the arrest and trial of criminals who, as an orgainsed gang, sexually harassed a number of women during the Bengali New Year.

April 25, 2015
April 25, 2015

The outrage and issues thereof

THERE is understandable outrage at the alleged sexual assault of at least 20 women by a large group of men during the Bengali New Year celebrations at the Dhaka University.

April 19, 2015
April 19, 2015

[WATCH] How Pahela Baishakh came to be

Muntasir Mamun, Professor of History at University of Dhaka, and Hashem Sufi, Researcher of History, tell us the facts behind how Bengali New Year celebration on Pahela Baishakh came to be.

April 19, 2015
April 19, 2015

Opinion: Eyes wide shut

It took four days for the police to admit that at least 20 women were sexually assaulted by a large group of men during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Dhaka University.

April 18, 2015
April 18, 2015

Sexual harassment: Protests flood Facebook, Twitter

On the fourth day following the ruthless and inhuman sexual harassment on women at TSC on Pahela Baishakh, the social media continue to be flooded with protests from users, condemning the heinous act.

April 12, 2015
April 12, 2015

Foolproof security for Pohela Boishakh: DMP

Police today assured of foolproof security throughout Dhaka ahead of Pohela Boishakh celebrations – the Bangla new year.

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