Guwahati: On the eve of Bangladeshi new year, the interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus called upon the people of India bordering south Asian nation to work together for creating a discrimination-free Bangladesh, where every citizen is happy, peaceful and progressive. The lone Nobel laureate of Bangladesh having a population of 170 million and currently functioning as the chief adviser of the caretaker government in Dhaka, Prof Yunus sent a special message to the Muslim majority nation wishing everyone a joyous Pohela Boishakh (first day of Bangla New Year that falls on 14 April).
“Let’s forget the past year’s sorrow and pain and move forward with a new conviction and enthusiasm,” said Prof Yunus observing that Pohela Boishakh remains a day of harmony and great reunion. He opined that the new year festival helps the entire nation, irrespective of their religions, castes or creeds, to revitalize with a new spirit and commitment. Despite differences in beliefs and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and the various communities living on the mountains and valleys of Bangladesh are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture, and traditions, he added.
Even though Bangladesh has standardized 14 April as the first day of Bengali New Year 1432, the people of West Bengal (and many other parts of Bharat) observe the day either on 14 or 15 April (of Gregorian calendar). The Assamese people observe Bohag/ Rongali Bihu to welcome the same new year 1432 (this time starting on 15 April 2025) following the Bhaskarabda era calendar. The era reflects the date of ascension of Bhaskara Barman, the seventh-century ruler of the giant Kamrup kingdom. The State government recognized Bhaskarabda (a lunisolar chart) along with Saka and English calendars.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of India on the occasion of Bohag Bihu, Vaisakhi, Vishu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu Pirapu. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and State chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma also wished the people on Goru Bihu that symbolises the importance of farming in the life of the people of the State. “Today, Assam observes one of its most sacred and meaningful traditions — Goru Bihu, the first and most spiritually significant day of the Rongali Bihu celebrations. This day is dedicated to the worship of the cow (Gomata), who holds a divine place in Sanatan Hindu Dharma as the eternal nurturer, a symbol of motherhood, sustenance, and purity,” said Guv Acharya.
Prof Yunus, on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day (25 March) and Eid-ul-Fitr addressed the nation and set the road map for a prosperous and an inclusive nation elaborating the government’s initiative for a major reform in various sectors. He revealed that the National Consensus Commission (which led by himself) began its work and letters were sent to 38 political parties along with the full report and 166 recommendations from six reform commissions. The political parties responded very positively to the reform work informing the commission which reforms they agreed with and in which they differed. The commission’s goal was to identify the areas where political parties are in agreement and prepare a list of these which would be the July Charter.
“Regarding the election, I have said this before and I say it again – the election will take place between December of this year and June of next year. We want the upcoming election to be the most free, fair, and acceptable election in the history of Bangladesh. For this, the Election Commission has already begun making all necessary preparations. I hope that political parties will start preparing for the election with great enthusiasm and energy,” said Prof Yunus.
A source close to Prof Yunus revealed that he wants to have the national election by the middle of next year. Recently, Prof Yunus urged two members of the National Consensus Commission to expedite the reform processes so that the next general election can be conducted by June 2026. The commission is undertaking a series of meetings with different political parties for consensus respecting the public opinions in regards to reform agendas. Till date eight political parties have discussed with the commission where the prime opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party is scheduled to talk in the next few days.
Prof Yunus also added during the national address that his goal was to take Bangladesh to unprecedented heights on the world map. To this end, we have expressed our interest in joining ASEAN, he stated, adding that recently Malaysia took over the chairmanship of ASEAN and he discussed this matter with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who extended support for it. Regarding the geographical location of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus commented that it was a fortunate nation bordering India, Nepal and Bhutan. “If these four countries of South Asia can create a joint economy, all four nations will benefit. Nepal and Bhutan are very eager to supply us with hydropower, and we are equally interested in receiving it,” he added.
Talking about the previous government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-who had to flee the country following a massive student-led agitation in July-August 2024-Prof Yunus highlighted the fact-finding report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, where it was clearly reported that around 1,400 people were killed during the protests. “Our July girls, who were at the front lines of the protests, were attacked by security forces and Awami League supporters and were even subjected to sexual abuse,” lamented Prof Yunus, adding that Hasina herself reportedly instructed security officers to kill the protestors.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
