Dhaka, Apr 09 (V7N) – Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated today that the government's approach to celebrating the upcoming Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh), marking the year 1432 in the Bengali calendar, centers on "cultural healing" and fostering an inclusive cultural environment. The Adviser made these remarks at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium in Dhaka.  

"Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki today said that two things remain at the core of all the measures taken by the government for Bengali New Year celebration and those are cultural healing and inclusive culture," a Ministry of Cultural Affairs spokesperson confirmed.  

Adviser Farooki highlighted the existing divisions within society that have led to distance, suspicion, and distrust among different groups. He emphasized the role of cultural events in bridging these divides.  

"'A division has been created among the people so long which results in the creation of distance, suspicion and distrust between one group and another,' Farooki said, adding that through cultural healing, these problems can be removed," the Adviser explained.

He elaborated on the government's strategy, stating that the aim is to celebrate the Bengali New Year in a unified manner, encompassing all ethnic groups in Bangladesh. He described this approach as "cultural inclusiveness," which he believes will contribute to a process of "cultural healing."  

"'We are doing this healing work. We are trying to celebrate the Bengali New Year together with all ethnic groups. The main reason for this is cultural inclusiveness. From that, a healing system has been developed,' he added."

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has planned a series of month-long events to commemorate the Bengali New Year, the details of which were presented by Adviser Farooki at the press conference. He underscored the importance of celebrating the country's diversity.  

"The ministry has taken the initiative to celebrate the Bengali New Year through various month-long events. The Adviser Farooki presented the details of those events at the press conference. 'Our strength and beauty is diversity. We want to celebrate this diversity,' said Farooki," the Ministry stated.

Adviser Farooki also noted the significance of Chaitra Sankranti, the last day of the Bengali month of Chaitra, for the festivals of various small ethnic groups in Bangladesh. He announced that this year's Bengali New Year celebrations would commence from Chaitra Sankranti.

"'The festivals of the small ethnic groups of our country revolve around Chaitra Sankranti. So our festivals will also start from Chaitra Sankranti this time,' he added."

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Adviser Supradip Chakma and Suchismita Tithi, Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, were also present at the press conference. Their presence underscored the government's unified approach to the cultural celebrations.

"Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (CHT) Adviser Supradip Chakma and Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Suchismita Tithi were present on the occasion," the Ministry confirmed.

The government's emphasis on cultural healing and inclusivity for the Bengali New Year celebrations reflects a broader effort to promote unity and understanding across different communities in Bangladesh.

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