AZM Sajjad Hossain, Washington DC - The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC welcomed Bangla Nabo Barsho (Bangla New Year-1431) on Saturday (May 04) 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 Nabo Barsho, a "Mongal Shobhajatra" (a rally of well-being) was brought out from the Embassy. The traditional procession returned to the embassy after parading the nearby streets of the US capital.
Led by Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mr. Muhammad Imran, embassy officials and employees and their family members and invited guests took part in the rally carrying indigenous musical instruments, drums, masks and various traditional items.
Earlier, Ambassador Imran delivered the welcome address at the function. 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 joyful 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 rendering of Biswa Kabi Rabindranath Tagore's famous song — Esho, He Boishakh, Esho Esho (Come, O Boishakh, Come, Come) — by officials of the Embassy and their spouses.
Later, artistes of “Aparajeyo Bangla”, a Bangladeshi cultural group, and the children of the officials of the Embassy enthralled the audience by singing patriotic songs and performing dances.
Ambassador Muhammad Imran, in his remarks, extended heartfelt greetings to the countrymen, expatriate Bangladeshis and the US people on the occasion. He highlighted illustrious history of Bangla New Year celebration, saying “Pohela Boishakh” is an integral part of Bengali culture and heritage, and the most universal festival of the nation.
The Ambassador also mentioned that "Mongal Shobhajatra" has been declared as an intangible heritage of humanity by the UNESCO in 2016. He urged the expatriate Bangladeshis to project the nation’s rich history, culture and heritage on the foreign soil being imbued with patriotism and the spirit of the great Liberation War.
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.
Over 5,000 enthusiastic foreigners and local residents visited 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 saree, 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, the great 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 its overall coordination.