DHAKA, April 9, 2026 (BSS) - Various preparations are underway across the country to welcome the Bengali New Year 1433 through a range of programs. Wiping away all past decay and gloom, and moving beyond the heat and dryness of the month of Chaitra, nature now carries the message of a new year's arrival.  On this occasion, a festive atmosphere prevails at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University (DU) as teachers and students are working tirelessly day and night to give the first morning of Baishakh a vibrant look. The theme of this year's celebration is "Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy." The main goal of this theme is to spread the message of unity, harmony, and the revival of democratic values in society. A visit to the Fine Arts premises today shows students busy constructing large motifs for the procession. With bamboo and wood, symbolic structures are gradually taking full shape. In front of the Zainul Gallery, as every year, students are painting alpana on earthen pots, depicting rural Bangladeshi scenes with watercolors, and crafting masks of tigers, owls, and various imaginary characters.  Additionally, the outer walls of the faculty are being adorned with colorful paintings reflecting indigenous culture. Students are also selling these handmade artworks to raise funds for the procession. This year's procession will feature five main motifs inspired by folk traditions: a red-crested rooster, a dotara (traditional musical instrument), a wooden elephant from Sonargaon, a dove symbolizing peace, and the traditional clay horse of Kishoreganj. On March 31, a meeting chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam finalized the overall programme for the new year celebrations. Regarding preparations for the Baishakhi Shobhajatra, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts Professor Dr Md Azharul Islam Sheikh said everyone must come forward collectively to rediscover and preserve the historical and traditional elements connected to our roots. He added that this year's celebration aims to reflect contemporary social and cultural messages. Just as the crowing of a rooster at dawn signals a new day, the motifs prepared for Pahela Baishakh symbolize a new awakening. To protest the recent marginalization of Baul artists and to honor folk culture, the dotara has been included as a motif. The horse and elephant represent Bangladeshi folk art and the dynamism of life. Fine Arts student Didarul Islam said that Pahela Baishakh is not just a festival for them; it is part of their identity and culture. Through this arrangement, they want to convey a strong message of unity, harmony, and democracy. General visitors have also crowded the Fine Arts area to witness the preparations. A visitor named Oishi, who came with her daughter, said she brought her child to give her an idea of Bengali heritage. She noted that such pure and wholesome joy is rarely found elsewhere. Another visitor, Mallik Wasi Uddin, told BSS that the enthusiasm and active participation of Fine Arts students in this year's preparations are remarkable. He expressed hope that their efforts will ensure a successful celebration of this traditional festival.  He also said that the vision of a 'rainbow nation' presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be beautifully reflected through the celebration of Bangladesh's diverse heritage. The joy and festivity surrounding Pahela Baishakh are no longer confined to the country but have spread worldwide.  Since being recognized by the UNESCO as a cultural heritage, its importance and prestige have increased significantly on the global stage.  The whole country is eagerly waiting to celebrate with fairs, panta-ilish, traditional cakes (pitha), and the melodies of Baul and Bhatiyali songs on Pahela Baishakh.  

RAJSHAHI, April 9, 2026 (BSS) - A mobile court has fined a petrol pump Taka two lakh in Paba upazila of Rajshahi over allegations of irregularities in  fuel sales, lack of proper stock records, and failure to provide receipts to customers.   On Thursday afternoon, a drive was conducted at Matiur Filling Station in Darusha Karnahar, Paba, by RAB along with an executive magistrate-led mobile  court.   During the operation, Assistant Commissioner of the District Administration, Samia Rahman, told BSS that the government has recently appointed "tag  officers" to ensure proper distribution of fuel at petrol pumps.   As part of regular mobile court operations, the drive was carried out at Matiur Filling Station in Darusha under Paba upazila.  After monitoring began, widespread disorder and several serious irregularities were found in the pump's operations.   Explaining the violations, she said, "The pump authorities were selling fuel without any certification. They were not providing customers with the  required slips or receipts after transactions, nor could they produce any such receipts. Additionally, they did not update necessary records."   Regarding stock, she added that although the pump authorities claimed a certain amount of fuel in storage, there was no effective system in place to  verify or check the actual stock.   Considering all aspects and taking these offenses into account, the petrol pump was fined the amount.   Officials from the administration, including regular monitoring officers, members of RAB-5, and the tag officers, were present during the operation.