Pahela Baishakh celebrated

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RAJSHAHI: Journalists of Rajshahi formed a human chain and protest rally at the zero point of Shaheb Bazaar on Sunday in protest against brutal murder of journalists duo in Rajshah. — FE photo

The nation Wednesday celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year 1417, amid fervour and festivity with a pledge to preserve the Bengali culture and heritage from the onslaught of alien cultures, reports UNB.
With the sunrise, tens of thousands of revellers dressed in traditional costumes poured onto the streets of capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country to welcome the Bangla New Year.
The day was a public holiday.
President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia greeted the nation on the occasion.
Braving the sultry weather, men, women and children in thousands thronged the Ramna Batamul, the main venue of the celebration, and at the TSC of Dhaka University, Suhrawardy Udyan, Shahbagh, 'Rabindra Sarobor' at Dhanmondi Lake and other open places and parks where cultural shows were organised.