Online Desk:  Bangladesh High Commissioner in Canada Khalilur Rahman has said Mangal Shovajatra promotes pluralism and secularism, fostering an environment of coexistence regardless of the differences of religions, castes or creeds.

Celebrating Pahela Baisakh at the mission, he underscored the festival’s role as an antidote against religious extremism and intolerance, promoting unity and tolerance over division.

The envoy noted that Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, revitalizss a sense of patriotism and Bengali identity worldwide and energises the Bengali nation.

Khalilur Rahman said that Pahela Baishakh has evolved into a symbol of the non-communal Bengali tradition.

He highlighted the significance of UNESCO’s recognition of the Pahela Baishakh Mangal Shovajatra as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of mankind in 2016, attributing it to the diplomatic efforts of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh High Commission, Ottawa, Canada celebrated Pahela Baisakh and the Bengali New Year-1431, with great enthusiasm and fervor.

A special event, chaired by the high commissioner, took place at the auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission.

The event was attended by High Commission officials and members of the Bangladeshi community living in Canada.

At the beginning of the event, officers of the High Commission read out the messages by the President and Prime Minister on the occasion of Pahela Baisakh and Bengali New Year-1431.

This was followed by the welcome address by the high commissioner.

Following the high commissioner’s address, attendees participated in a vibrant Mangal Shovajatra to celebrate Pahela Baisakh.

The event concluded with a cultural function featuring spontaneous performances by the Bangladeshi-Canadians.