'Remove time bar on Pahela Baishakh celebrations'

Cultural activists yesterday demanded that the government immediately remove the time restriction on Pahela Baishakh celebrations to let people observe the Bangla New Year amid festivity.

They also demanded withdrawal of a ban on wearing masks during “Mongol Shobhajatra”, the unique celebratory procession of the Bangla New Year.

The demands surfaced at a press conference organised by Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, a cultural platform, at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital.

The Udichi activists also announced to hold countrywide protests tomorrow if their demands go unheard.

Speaking at yesterday's press conference, Jamshed Anwar Tapan, general secretary of Udichi, said the government should strengthen security measures for people to enjoy the festivity instead of restricting the celebrations.