JU celebrates Pahela Baishakh with festivity. Photo: BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, April 14, 2025 (BSS) - Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, was celebrated today at Jahangirnagar University (JU) with slogan 'Harmony in the New Year, End to Fascism and the Triumph of Humanity.'

To mark the occasion, JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Kamrul Ahsan exchanged greetings with teachers, students, officers and staff at his residence this morning.

Later, the VC extended warm wishes for the Bengali New Year to all attendees in a brief speech. Traditional Bengali New Year songs, including the iconic 'Esho He Boishakh Esho Esho,' were played.

Guests were served a variety of traditional Bengali foods such as jilapi, sandesh, kadma, watermelon, mango juice, batasha, puffed rice (muri) and khoi.

Following the exchange of greetings, a colorful rally led by JU VC Prof Kamrul Hasan was brought out at 9:45 am from the university's Business Studies faculty, which ended at the Amar Ekushey Sculpture premises.

Addressing rally, Prof Kamrul Ahsan said, "This year's celebration holds special significance, coming after a period of intense struggle. We have stood united in the face of inequality. Since the Liberation War of 1971, our journey of state-building has been fraught with challenges. However, the student-people mass uprising in 2024 has reignited our vision of a better Bangladesh."

"Regardless of political affiliation, we must live together and collectively commit to building a new Bangladesh," he added.

JU Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr M Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Sohel Ahmed, treasurer Prof Dr M Abdur Rab, acting dean of Social Sciences Faculty Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, acting dean of Biological Sciences Faculty Prof Mafruhi Sattar, acting registrar, proctor, hall provosts, members of the Women's Club, university teachers, students, staff, and faculty from the university's school and college, were also attended the programme.

In the evening, the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC) and the Students' Counselling and Guidance Centre will host a cultural event at the university's Selim Al Deen Muktamancha.

Besides, various departments hosted activities such as book fairs, puppet shows, musical dramas, traditional plays, street performances, instrumental performances and folk theatre throughout the day in celebration of the occasion.