The celebrations of Pahela Baishakh have become an integral part of Bangalis since it began over six centuries back. On the occasion, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the country's people and all Bangla-speaking people across the globe. In her speech, she said the government has imposed a ban on all outdoor programs to celebrate Pohela Boishakh due to the deadly coronavirus. The program of the Cultural Affairs Ministry would be broadcasted by all channels from 8:30am today as per the directive of the prime minister, the ministry said in a statement on Monday. Earlier, the Cabinet Division instructed authorities concerned to postpone all programs of Pohela Boishakh to avoid mass gatherings.

Source: Dhaka Tribune April 13, 2020 17:03 UTC