Jamaat embraces Pahela Baishakh: Sayeeful Alam Khan at procession

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Referring to Pahela Baishakh as an important part of Bangladeshi culture, Jamaat-e-Islami Member of Parliament Sayeeful Alam Khan (Milon) said that the party embraces this festival and also respects the beliefs of different people.

On Tuesday (14 April), speaking to journalists before a Pahela Baishakh procession in the capital, he made these remarks. The procession began in front of the National Press Club under the theme “Awaken with new dreams and new enthusiasm of the New Year,” organized by Deshiyo Sanskritik Sansad.

Sayeeful Alam Khan said that the controller of good or bad fortune of humans is only Allah. However, if any community in the country seeks welfare according to their own beliefs in something else, Jamaat does not object to it and does not want to interfere with those beliefs.

He further said that the Bengali calendar was introduced during the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign, mainly for facilitating revenue collection. Following that tradition, the Bengali nation has been celebrating Pahela Baishakh every year.

Regarding the relationship between Islam and culture, he said that Islam accepts all cultures that do not conflict with the principles of Tawheed and Risalat. He also said that embracing local culture is a feature of Islam.

The event was attended by two other Jamaat MPs—Mohammad Kamal Hossain from Dhaka-5 constituency and Nurul Islam Bulbul from Chapainawabganj-3. In addition, Sayeefullah Mansur, president of Deshiyo Sanskritik Sansad, along with members of the organization and party activists participated.

After 8:30 in the morning, the procession started from the National Press Club area, went around the High Court intersection, and ended in front of Ramna Park. Most of the participants were dressed in colorful panjabis and traditional attire.

The procession showcased various rural elements and traditions. Symbolic representations of local fruits, fish, palanquin, and mosques were displayed. Some participants were seen acting out fishing with nets and traps. The presence of children was particularly noticeable; they participated wearing colorful clothes and holding national flags.

After the procession, a Baishakhi cultural program was held at Bakultala in Ramna Park. The program features Bengali folk songs, patriotic songs, Jari-Sari, Gombhira, recitations, and drama performances to celebrate the New Year. The organizers said the program will continue until the afternoon.