BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi attended a cultural programme at the National Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy this evening as the chief guest. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 16, 2026 (BSS) - BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today called for preserving the cultural traditions of Pahela Baishakh, describing it as a deeply rooted heritage of the country. 

"Rural people used to celebrate the occasion with events like Halkhata and other social programmes following the Bangla calendar. The use of the Bangla calendar was very prominent in the past, but with globalization and the modern education system, its use is declining alarmingly. We need to preserve this culture to protect our own identity," he said.

Rizvi was speaking as the chief guest at a cultural programme at the National Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy this evening, marking the celebration of Bengali New Year 1433, with Academy Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin) in the chair.

He said, "Many nations have already lost important elements of their identity, including language and script, due to lack of practice. But Bangladesh is still holding on to its language and script. Preserving these is our core responsibility."

"Our culture has grown based on Islamic heritage and local traditions. As a result, stories like Yusuf-Zulekha and Laila-Majnun have become part of our folk culture. Jatrapala, Kobigaan, Gambhira, Jari and Shari also enriched our cultural heritage in the same way," he added.

He called for continued practice of cultural traditions to further enrich local cultural elements.

Folk culture and arts played a crucial role in building democratic practices and the independence movement, which helped create patriotism and national identity among the people, he said.