Online Desk: Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran has urged expatriate Bangladeshis to project the nation’s rich history, culture and heritage on foreign soil.

He requested all to work together to transform Bangladesh into a hunger-and poverty-free developed and prosperous “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC welcomed Bangla Noboborsho (Bangla New Year 1431) on Saturday (May 4) with much enthusiasm and fanfare.

It also organized an “Open House” program as part of the “Passport DC’s Embassy Tour 2024”.

To welcome the Bangla Noboborsho, a Mangal Shobhajatra was brought out from the embassy.

The procession returned to the embassy after parading the nearby streets of the US capital.

Led by the Ambassador, embassy officials and employees and their family members and invited guests took part in the rally carrying traditional Bangladeshi musical instruments, masks and various other items.

Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank Sharifa Khan and a large number of foreign guests and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora were present at the event.

The key attraction of the program was a spectacular cultural show which presented Bangladesh’s rich culture and heritage.

The cultural event started with a rendering of Biswa Kabi Rabindranath Tagore’s song “Esho hey Boishakh, esho esho” by officials of the embassy and their spouses.

Later, artistes of “Aparajeyo Bangla”, a Bangladeshi cultural group, and children of the officials of the lembassy enthralled the audience by singing patriotic songs and performing dances.

Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to the countrymen, expatriate Bangladeshis and US citizens on the occasion.

He highlighted the illustrious history of Bangla New Year celebration, saying “Pahela Baishakh” is an integral part of Bengali culture and heritage, and the most universal festival of the nation.

The Ambassador also mentioned that Mangal Shobhajatra has been declared as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2016.

Over 5,000 foreigners and local residents visited the Bangladesh Embassy to enjoy the daylong program.

Traditional Bangladeshi foods were displayed and served for the guests.

A number of stalls showcasing Bangladesh’s traditional handicrafts, including Jamdani and Tangail sarees, were set up at Bangabandhu Auditorium.

The visitors with great interest also collected posters, leaflets and books which portrayed the history of Bangladesh’s independence, Language Movement, and development as well as rich culture, heritage and tourist spots.

First Secretary Ataur Rahman conducted the function, while Counsellor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yeasmin Smrite was in charge of overall coordination.