United News of Bangladesh

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain on Wednesday said the government currently has no new project or plan to improve services at grassroots healthcare facilities. “Existing services are being provided uninterruptedly and new initiatives may be undertaken in the future based on necessity,” he said in Parliament. Responding to a question from BNP lawmaker A.E. Sultan Mahmud Babu of Jamalpur-2, the minister said the government remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery across the country. He informed the House that the Prime Minister has decided to upgrade all 50-bed Upazila Health Complexes into 101-bed hospitals, and the ministry has already begun implementing the decision. The minister outlined the wide range of services currently being provided through Upazila Health Complexes, Union Health and Family Welfare Centres (UH&FWCs) and Community Clinics. According to him, Upazila Health Complexes provide round-the-clock emergency healthcare services, including trauma management for accident victims, outpatient and inpatient treatment, diagnostic facilities, and maternal and child healthcare services. These facilities also ensure antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries and implementation of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). The complexes play a key role in disease prevention and control by providing treatment and preventive services for communicable diseases such as malaria, dengue, tuberculosis and diarrhoea, while also conducting awareness programmes on non-communicable diseases. They are also responsible for implementing national health initiatives, including polio eradication campaigns, Vitamin A supplementation programmes and other public health interventions, the minister said. Family planning services are another major component of healthcare delivery at the upazila level. Health facilities distribute contraceptive pills, condoms, injections and intrauterine devices (IUDs), while providing counselling on family planning and maternal nutrition. The minister said Upazila Health Complexes also supervise Union Health and Family Welfare Centres and Community Clinics, monitor field-level health workers and prepare health-related reports for submission to the Directorate General of Health Services. For patients requiring specialised treatment, the facilities operate referral services to district hospitals, medical college hospitals and other specialised healthcare institutions. The minister further said Union Health and Family Welfare Centres provide maternal and child healthcare, family planning services, immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation, reproductive health services and primary treatment for common illnesses. Community Clinics, meanwhile, continue to serve as the first point of contact for primary healthcare in rural areas. They offer treatment for common ailments such as fever, cough, diarrhoea and skin diseases, while distributing around 30 to 32 essential medicines free of charge. The clinics also provide antenatal and postnatal care, child immunisation, nutritional counselling, Vitamin A capsules and iron-folic acid supplements for pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls. In addition, Community Clinics conduct health education programmes on sanitation, safe water use and disease prevention, while screening adults for diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases. The minister said serious or complicated cases identified at Community Clinics are referred to Upazila Health Complexes, district hospitals or specialised healthcare institutions for advanced treatment.

Government offices, banks and courts across Bangladesh reopened on Monday after the end of a seven-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday. Besides, many private-sector offices also resumed operations, prompting thousands of people to return to their workplaces in Dhaka and other cities after spending the holiday with their families. Government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices remained closed from May 25 to May 31. Jamuna Bridge collects over Tk 20 crore in tolls in six days ahead of Eid Many employees extended their vacations by taking additional leave beyond the official holiday period. As a result, a festive holiday atmosphere is likely to persist in many workplaces for the next couple of days. Meanwhile, people from different parts of the country have started returning to their workplaces by road, rail and waterway after the Eid break. Passenger and vehicle pressure has been gradually increasing at bus terminals, railway stations and launch terminals across the country. A significant influx of returning passengers was observed at Kamalapur Railway Station in the capital on Sunday afternoon.

A seven-day government holiday will begin in the country on Monday as millions prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest religious festival of the Muslims. Government offices, courts and many private establishments will remain closed during the break, triggering a nationwide travel rush as people leave major cities—especially Dhaka—to celebrate the festival with family members in their hometowns. Govt grants special release to 4 prisoners ahead of Eid Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in the country on May 28. However, the doctors and nurses engaged in the treatment of measles patients and emergency healthcare services will remain out of the purview of the holdiday as the Eid-ul-Azha leave for them was cancelled to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.  On May 7, the government announced a seven-day holiday from May 25 to May 31 for Eid-ul-Azha. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. However, government offices remained open on May 23 (Saturday) as per the decision. The government offices will reopen on June 1.

On the occasion of Bengali New Year 1433, a colourful Baisakhi Fair was organised by Gulshan Society at Lake Park in the Gulshan-2 area on Tuesday afternoon. The event began with a performance by Parampara Sangeet Academy. In the evening, renowned Rabindra exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya enthralled the audience. One of the colourful events was a painting exhibition by renowned artists. Another attraction of the fair was a handicraft exhibition, a collection of various clothes and children's toys. Different kinds of food and drinks added a different taste to the event. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, and people from different walks of life and professions visited the fair held under the supervision of Barrister Omar Sadat, President of Gulshan Society. The Baisakhi Fair became a unique example of unity with the combined presence of women, men, children, and the elderly, regardless of religion, caste, or age. Ambassador Brent Christensen highly praised the event, Bengali culture, and music. He said he had recently come to Dhaka and was happy to be able to participate in such an event. The US envoy noted that Bangladesh is a developed nation in culture and civilisation. DNCC Administrator Milton said, "We want all societies to organise such events. We are cooperating in these events. We want the city dwellers to be in the midst of the festival." Barrister Omar Sadat said, "To save the city, we need to organise cultural events. If we can involve people in these events, we can make it a beautiful city. That is why we are organising this event."

Khulna University celebrated Pahela Baishakh with daylong colourful programmes on the campus on Tuesday. The celebrations began in the morning at the Hadi Chattar, where Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim inaugurated the programmes. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the VC said Pahela Baishakh is a symbol of the nation’s long-standing culture, tradition and identity. He said the annual celebrations reflect a strong commitment to cultural heritage and attracts people from Khulna and surrounding areas, making it a lively and inclusive event. Rezaul Karim also expressed hope that New Year will open new opportunities and stressed the need to move forward with unity, humanity and inclusive development. Among others, Pro-VC Prof Dr Md Harun-or-Rashid Khan, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Nurunnabi, Dean of the School of Management and Business Administration Prof Dr Rumana Haque, acting Registrar Prof Dr SM Mahbubur Rahman and Student Affairs Director Prof Dr Md Nazmus Sadath were present. After the inauguration, a colourful procession was brought out from the Hadi Chattar with the participation of teachers, students, officials and staff. The procession paraded through the campus and ended at the central playground, featuring traditional motifs, masks, alpana designs and musical instruments. Later, the VC inaugurated a Baishakhi fair at the central field, where students set up stalls offering traditional foods, handicrafts, clothing and other items. Arrangements for children, including rides and magic shows, were also part of the fair. A cultural programme featuring music and dance performances was held from 4:00pm. The campus turned into a festive gathering place with the participation of a large number of visitors.

Pahela Baishakh, marking the first day of the Bengali New Year, is not merely a festive occasion; it stands as a powerful symbol of unity, inclusiveness and cultural identity in Bangladesh. The festival transcends religious and social boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life, regardless of caste, colour or faith. It is one of the rare occasions where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated with collective enthusiasm. Across the country, people join vibrant festivities featuring traditional music, cultural performances and fairs that reflect the rich heritage of Bengal. From urban centres to rural communities, the day fosters a shared sense of belonging and harmony. One of the most iconic highlights of the celebration is the procession – earlier named Mangal Shobhajatra – organised by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the procession symbolises resistance against injustice and the aspiration for a peaceful and inclusive society. Although the government has renamed the Mangal Shobhajatra as Baishakhi Shobhajatra this year, its spirit and mode of celebration remain unchanged. In the early hours of the day, thousands of people gathered to take part in colourful processions, welcoming the new year with hopes of renewal and prosperity. The morning air resonated with traditional songs, adding to the cultural depth of the occasion. Like previous years, Pahela Baishakh was welcomed in a festive atmosphere, as the Baishakhi Shobhajatra from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka drew large crowds. Adorned with masks and traditional folk motifs, the procession reflected the rich cultural heritage of Bengal while promoting messages of unity, harmony and resistance to injustice.People from different walks of life – students, artistes and cultural activists – joined the procession, turning it into a vibrant public celebration of the Bengali New Year. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages, greeting the people of Bangladesh and Bangla-speaking communities around the world. Opposition Party Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman also greeted the people of the country on the occasion. Meanwhile, the government undertook extensive initiatives to ensure inclusive and safe celebrations nationwide. Cultural programmes were arranged at both national and local levels, while law enforcement agencies remained on high alert to maintain security and discipline during public gatherings. Authorities, including police and other security forces, implemented special measures such as increased patrols, traffic management and surveillance to ensure peaceful festivities. Beyond the celebrations, Pahela Baishakh serves as a reminder of the nation’s deep-rooted cultural identity. It reinforces the values of unity, secularism and coexistence—principles that continue to shape the social fabric of Bangladesh. As people welcomed the New Year, they not only celebrated tradition but also renewed their collective commitment to harmony, resilience and cultural pride.

Kids Time, a popular after-school programme in the country, celebrated Bangla New Year 1433 in a vibrant and joyful atmosphere, marked by enthusiastic participation from children. The celebrations took place on Tuesday at its Dhanmondi and Uttara branches. The day’s programme began with a colourful morning procession, setting a festive tone for the events that followed. Children took part in a variety of activities, including face painting, dance, music, drama, and a lively “dress as you like” segment. Traditional snacks such as muri and murki added to the cultural flavour of the celebration. Parents also joined their children in the festivities, making it a lively and inclusive occasion. Tahmina Rahman, founder of Kids Time, said, “Practising our own culture is important for children’s mental development and creativity. With this in mind, we organised the New Year celebrations.”

As is tradition, Dhaka University has welcomed the Bengali New year, 1433, with a colorful ‘Baishakhi Shovajatra’ (procession) today featuring diverse cultural activities. The procession started from the Faculty of Fine Arts, proceed toward Shahbagh, took a U-turn, passed the Raju Sculpture and TSC, headed toward Doel Chattar, passed the Bangla Academy, and finally concluded back at the Faculty of Fine Arts. Preparations for the procession started at 8am and started at 9am following singing the national anthem, with the leadership of cultural affairs minister Nitai Roy Choudhury, including people from all walks of life and tribesmen. Colourful Baishakhi Shobhajatra welcomes Pahela Baishakh In the procession, a horse riding police fleet was in first position, then a group of DU students carrying the national flag followed by distinguished guests including cultural minister, DU teachers. Following them, the main motifs, including a rooster, violin, pigeon, horse, and elephant, displayed one after another. Following the tradition of folk symbols, these represent the multi-dimensional significance of strength, creation, peace, glory, and dynamism. Tribesmen are seen in showing their cultural activities and the procession filled with the sound of musicians.The motifs were designed to highlight folk traditions and cultural uniqueness.

The nation is set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1433, on Tuesday with vibrant festivities and traditional enthusiasm across the country. Different organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes to welcome the New Year. Cultural organisations, including Chhayanaut, will host daylong events, with celebrations beginning at Ramna Batamul through the national anthem and the iconic song “Eso Hey Baishakh” at dawn. Like previous years, the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka will bring out the traditional procession – this time named ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ with the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.” Arrangements have been made to broadcast the programmes on all government and private television channels, radio stations. Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion. In his message, the President said in the current global context, the country is facing different challenges, requiring greater restraint, patience and responsibility from all. He also expressed confidence that with combined efforts, honesty and dedication, the nation will be able to overcome challenges and move towards development and prosperity. Highlighting the spirit of the New Year, the President hoped that all negativity and injustice will be eliminated, allowing truth and beauty to prevail across society. On this festive and joyous occasion of the New Year, the heartfelt expectation is that all evil and ugliness be eliminated and that the glory of truth and beauty resonate everywhere, he said adding, “May all the sorrows and sufferings of the outgoing year fade away and may the New Year bring pure happiness, peace, and prosperity to both personal and national life.” Shahabuddin also urged people to strengthen mutual respect, harmony and empathy and to work together to build a non-communal, united and just society. In his message, the Prime Minister said, “Pahela Baishakh is a unique symbol of our national identity, history, culture, and self-recognition. For centuries, this day has returned every year in our lives, bringing the call of new beginnings. The arrival of the New Year inspires us to leave behind decay and stagnation and move forward with renewed hope.” Pahela Baishakh is closely linked with agriculture, nature, and the agricultural economy of the region, he said, adding that even in this golden age of information technology, farmers determine their agricultural schedules in harmony with nature. The thousand-year-old heritage of Bengal, its folk culture, traditions, and values are revitalised through Pahela Baishakh, Tarique Rahman said. He said as part of its election pledges, the government has already introduced initiatives such as the Family Card, Sports Card, canal excavation programme, and financial assistance schemes for imams, muezzins, khatibs, and religious leaders of other faiths. “From the first day of the Bangla New Year, the Farmer Card programme will also be launched for farmers and the agricultural economy,” he said. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the practice of tolerance, openness, and harmony rooted in the religious and social values and cultures of the people of Bangladesh will further strengthen democracy and consolidate coexistence of diverse opinions. He also urged all to take pledge to rise above narrowness and self-interest and follow the path of human welfare. Tarique Rahman also called on all to overcome all past frustrations and limitations and move forward with renewed energy. “May the New Year bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to all. I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country.” To mark the occasion, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation will jointly organise a seven-day fair, discussions and cultural events on the academy premises from April 14 to April 20. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation will hold a 14-day traditional Baishakhi fair on its premises starting on April 20. Special arrangements will be made to serve traditional food in prisons, hospitals and Shishu Poribar alongside cultural programmes for children. All museums and archaeological sites will remain open to the public, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities. At the local level, Baishakhi Shobhajatra and cultural events will be held in every district and upazila. Local administration will also organise folk fairs and essay competitions for students at the district and upazila levels, while celebrations will be arranged in union levels. Educational institutions across the country will celebrate the occasion in a festive atmosphere under their own initiative. Special programmes and traditional food will also be arranged at hotels and clubs. Authorities will ensure adequate medical facilities, toilets and safe drinking water around Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park during the celebrations. Law enforcement agencies will ensure overall security for national as well as district and upazila-level programmes. Business communities, especially in rural areas are ready to open their traditional 'Halkhata', new account books, while sweets will be distributed among customers to mark the day. The day is a public holiday. Different national dailies will publish supplements while Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh.

The University of Dhaka (DU) is set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh on Tuesday with vibrant festivities, with preparations for the ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ nearing completion. Marking Bengali New Year 1433, this year’s procession will begin at 9:00am from the Faculty of Fine Arts with the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Resurrection of Democracy.” Artists and students were seen working intensively to complete large-scale motifs, including the much-anticipated elephant structure. The procession will start from Gate No. 3 (North) of the faculty, proceed towards Shahbagh, make a U-turn there, pass the Raju Sculpture and TSC, head towards Doel Chattar, and return via Bangla Academy. Authorities have set strict entry and security guidelines. Participants will be allowed to enter only through Nilkhet and Palashi intersections, while other entry points will remain closed. To maintain order and aesthetic appeal, entering the procession from the sidelines is prohibited. Carrying ID cards is mandatory.