NABABARSHA: Celebration in restriction
People of all ages, irrespective of cast and creed and religious beliefs, celebrated the Bangla New Year 1424 across the country on Friday but for most Dhaka Dwellers the festivities were somewhat dampened due to strict security measures.
Heightened security was a big downside that marred the day's joyous mood to a large extent with people not being able to celebrate the day to their heart's content.
Security checks by law enforcement agencies on Dhaka University (DU) campus and at the Ramna Batamul -- two prime locations in the capital where large cultural programmes are held for welcoming the New Year -- watered down people's festive mood and enthusiasm, visitors alleged.
Many carrying umbrellas, water bottles and bags and purses were prevented from entering the two places, they alleged.
When people learnt about the security hassles at the two places in the morning from the ones already there, many felt discouraged to go there, The Daily Star correspondent learnt.
“People's enthusiasm and their festive mood centring the Pahela Baishakh had been spoiled much due to excessive restrictions of law enforcement agencies,” said Shyamoli Rahman of Azimpur.
With her son and daughter, Shyamoli was not allowed to enter Dhaka University campus at Nilkhet as she refused to leave her bag, containing her purse, phone and her children's essentials, and two umbrellas behind.
“Instead of Dhaka University, I will take my children to other places to celebrate Pahela Baishakh,” Shyamoli told The Daily Star correspondent at Nilkhet on Friday.
Shipon Ahmed, who came from Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital to join the Mongol Shovajatra in front of the Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University, said excessive security measures have eventually shrunken the Pahela Baishakh celebrations.
Law enforcers prevented people from entering the DU, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan areas after 4:00pm, alleged many visitors.
As the clock struck five, law enforcers started getting people out of those areas. They blew whistles creating a sense of panic and insecurity.
Charon Sangskritik Kendra and Samajtanrtrik Chhatra Front protested this move of law enforcers. The two organisations formed a human chain and held rallies in front of Raju Sculpture at TSC intersection on Friday afternoon for imposing time restrictions on celebrating Pahela Baishakh.
Leaders of the organisations said the government had limited the celebrations after “compromising with Hefajat-e Islam”. They claimed that such “compromising attitude of the government has allowed fundamentalist forces to attack Bangalee culture”.
The DU, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan areas were found largely deserted during a visit late Friday afternoon. Streets were almost devoid of people in the evening.
These places are usually crowded during Pahela Baishakh celebrations.
Talking to The Daily Star, Prof Syed Abul Bark Alvi, chairman of Printing Making department of Fine Arts Institute, Dhaka University, said law enforcement agencies' excessive security measures had affected people's enthusiasm and the festivities on DU campus.
He, however, said the undesired pushing and shoving among participants of the Mongol Shovajatra was avoided due to law enforcement agencies security measures. “Besides, police also put restrictions on roadside shops in Dhaka University, Ramna and Suhrawardy Udyan areas which had obstructed people in previous years.”
Due to time restrictions and security checks, people were seen thronging alternative places, including Rabindra Sarobor in Dhanmondi.
Many young children with their guardians went to a Baishakhi fair on Uttara Sector-3 playground around 4:00pm. As a musical troupe was about to play a number around five in the afternoon, law enforcers started blowing whistles and closed all gates.
Initially, they even prevented visitors from getting out.
A visitor said the children accompanying him got panicked because of this.
After several minutes, law enforcers allowed people to exit the venue and declared the fair closed and the musical event concluded.
In different parts of the country, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions organised various programmes to mark Pahela Baishakh but had to go through the hoops of the security measures.
Students of the Institute of Fine Arts of DU brought out Mongol Shovajatra (procession of good wishes) around 9:00am with thousands of people taking part.
This year, Chhayanaut, a leading cultural organisation of the country, celebrated Pahela Baishakh for the 50th year. Its programme at Ramna Batamul in Ramna Park, considered the highlight of Pahela Baishakh celebrations by many, was held under strict security measures.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leaders sang along to the tunes of Rabindra Sangeet at a programme at the lawn of Gono Bhaban. Hasina singing was caught on camera and shared on social media by State Minister for Post and Telecommunications Tarana Halim.
As Rabindranath's song Anondoloke, mongol aloke, birajo, sotto sundaro was being played, the prime minister was seen swaying and singing to the tune standing beside Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury.
To celebrate the festival, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended a cultural programme in front of BNP's Naya Paltan central office.