Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury made remarks today while attending separate Pahela Baishakh celebration programmes organized by cultural groups, Shruti and Anandalok, at Blue Bird School and College and Srihatta Sanskrit College. Photo: BSS

SYLHET, April 14, 2026 (BSS) - Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has said Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year, is a symbol of the nation's heritage, culture, and communal harmony.

"Pahela Baishakh reflects our tradition, culture, and harmony. Inspired by this festival, we must further enrich the country's cultural arena," he said. 

He made the remarks today while attending separate Pahela Baishakh celebration programmes organized by cultural groups, Shruti and Anandalok, at Blue Bird School and College and Srihatta Sanskrit College premises in the city. 

The minister stressed the need for ensuring proper recognition and support to artists, cultural activists, and organizers to enrich Bengali culture. 

He noted that for a long time, various cultural organizations in Sylhet have been operating through personal initiatives and limited resources. 

However, due to a lack of necessary logistical support, the cultural sector in the region has lagged behind compared to other parts of the country, he added.

Ariful also said discussions have already been held with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs regarding the issue, and a plan has been taken to construct a modern cultural complex in Sylhet in coordination with local representatives. 

"The proposed complex will ensure all necessary facilities for cultural practices as well as training opportunities for children and young people," he said.

On the occasion of the Bengali New Year, he urged all to move forward by overcoming past mistakes and to work collectively towards unity, harmony, and development. 

"Bangladesh is a country of harmony, and the people of this region have set a bright example of it. This harmony will become even stronger and more enriched," he remarked. 

He also called upon the young generation to engage more actively in cultural activities, stating that a prosperous and developed Bangladesh will be built under the leadership of the new generation.

Among others present at the programme were Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Second Secretary of the Indian High Commission Rajesh Bhatia, Sylhet District BNP Organizing Secretary Shamim Ahmed, singer Himangshu Biswas, theatre organizer Shamsul Bashir Shero, Anandalok Director Rana Kumar Singh, and Shruti Member Secretary Suka Gupta.