Chhayanaut cancels Pahela Baishakh programme for first time since Independence

Chhayanaut today cancelled their Pahela Baishakh celebrations scheduled to welcome Bangla New Year 1427 at Ramna Batamul due to the coronavirus outbreak.

This is the first time since the country's Liberation War that the programme will not be held in Ramna.

Chhayanaut, one of the leading cultural organisations of the country, has been holding their New Year celebrations since 1967.

 "We have decided not to hold the programme at Ramna Batamul as people are panicked over coronavirus and considering the safety of performing artistes," Chhayanaut's Executive President Sarwar Ali told The Daily Star today evening.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today directed all to celebrate Pahela Baishakh digitally without holding any mass gatherings, in response to the government's "stay-at-home" guideline.

He said that Chhayanaut has also decided to donate the cost of arranging the programme to help those in need.