BD Mission in Canada celebrates Bengali New Year

City Desk :

The Bangladesh High Commission in Canada celebrated Bengali New Year-1430 with much enthusiasm on the eleventh instant.
The programme was held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission.

The event was chaired by the High Commissioner, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and attended by Chandra Arya, Member of the House of Commons, as well as officials of the High Commission and prominent members of the Bangladeshi community living in Canada.

In his welcome speech, High Commissioner Dr. Khalilur Rahman emphasised the non-communal traditions of Bengali culture, reports UNB.
He highlighted the significance of UNESCO’s recognition of the Mangal Shobhajatra as an intangible cultural heritage of mankind.
This recognition, achieved through the diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has added a new dimension to the celebration of Bengali New Year, he said.
The High Commissioner also said that Pahela Boishakh serves as a powerful antidote to religious extremism and bigotry.
By embracing the diversity of our society, we send a clear message that unity and tolerance triumph over division. The festival fosters an inclusive environment where people of different faiths come together to celebrate shared heritage, he said.

The High Commissioner also emphasised that Bangladesh’s journey has not always been smooth. Following the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, the basic principles of the freedom struggle were challenged.