But this year, the streets and parks that remain overcrowded fell silent as the government called off all programmes to avoid mass gatherings as a precautionary measure to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
The eerie silence reminds everyone of the country’s arduous fight against the virus that has infected more than 1,000 people and killed 46 in Bangladesh till date.
Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrated without outdoor programmes
The people are optimistic about celebrating the next Pahela Baishakh with colourful programmes.
Below are some pictures taken by an UNB photographer of places that draw huge crowds during Pahela Baishakh. It is a stark contrast to the usual celebrations.
Teacher-Student Centre area of the Dhaka University, which remains filled with people celebrating Pahela Baishakh, is empty this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The photo was taken on April 14.
Dhaka’s Shahbagh area witnesses large crowds and colourful processions every year during Pahela Baishakh celebrations but this year, it is eerily empty. The photo was taken on April 14.
There’s no one at Ramna area of Dhaka, a popular visiting spot for people celebrating Pahela Baishakh, as the government cancelled all celebrations to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The photo was taken on April 14