DHAKA, April 14, 2026 (BSS)- The week-long 'Baishakhi Mela 1433' began today, marking the first day of the Bengali Calendar. 

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and Bangla Academy jointly organized the fair at the Bangla Academy premises here.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir inaugurated the fair by releasing balloons in the morning.

Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam presided over the event.

Delivering the chief guest's speech, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury extended Pahela Baishakh greetings to all.

He said, "Pahela Baishakh is an inseparable part of our culture. We want to expand such celebration to every corner of the country, which will help promote local culture and strengthen the economy through the expansion of small entrepreneur products."

Speaking as special guest, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the people of this country are peace-loving and celebrate the festivals together peacefully.

"Small entrepreneurs are contributing significantly across different regions. The government will continue to work to ensure financial assistance, product promotion, and the creation of new markets for the entrepreneurs," he added.

President of Bangla Academy Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq highlighted the history of the Bangla language. 

He said although English is widely used institutionally, the people of this land have embraced Bangla since ancient times. "Our past was strong, and we are hopeful of building an even better future," he added. 

BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam said the fair has been arranged since the late 1970s to support small entrepreneurs and promote locally produced goods. 

The fair features agricultural goods, handicrafts, jute and leather products, GI items such as Jamdani, Shataranji and Shitalpati, along with traditional food and accessories. 
Of 160 stalls, 146 have been allocated to entrepreneurs, including those from ethnic communities.

The fair will continue until April 20 and remain open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.