The Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad marked the celebration of Bangla New Year-1432 (Pohela Boishakh) with great enthusiasm and cultural flair on Thursday, April 30, 2025. The event was held at the prestigious Silk Road Cultural Center of the Sir Syed Memorial Society in Islamabad, where a vibrant atmosphere captured the essence of the Bengali New Year celebrations.
The event was graced by Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Pakistan, along with all the officials, employees of the High Commission, and their families, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests. The day-long event was live-streamed via the High Commission’s official Facebook page, making it accessible to a global audience.
Ambreen Jan, the Federal Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, attended as the Chief Guest and extended his warm wishes for a joyful Bengali New Year. She expressed her hopes that the cultural celebration would strengthen the ties of friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Over 1,500 attendees, including ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, business leaders, media representatives, musicians, artists, and Bangladeshi expatriates joined the festivities.
In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan emphasized the significance of Pohela Boishakh as a day that transcends religion and caste, a day when the Bengali community unites in celebration and renewal. He noted that the occasion reflects the spirit of harmony and collective renewal shared by all Bengalis worldwide.
The cultural program was a highlight of the celebration, featuring a rich array of traditional Bengali and Pakistani performances. Artists clad in Bengali and Pakistani attire showcased vibrant recitations, songs, and dances. Employees of the Bangladesh High Commission, alongside Pakistani artists, performed traditional dances, while members of the visiting Bangladeshi delegation also added to the musical performances.
Despite the rainy and windy weather in Islamabad, the festivities remained vibrant, with everyone enjoying the true essence of Boishakh. The venue was beautifully decorated with lights, banners, festoons, kites, and flowers, all representing the vibrant culture of Bangladesh. Guests had the opportunity to explore the folk art products, enjoy the dance performances, and take in video displays showcasing Bangladesh.
The culinary offerings at the celebration were another major attraction, highlighting the rich flavors of Bangladeshi cuisine. Guests indulged in an array of delicacies such as Fuska, Matha (whey), lemon juice, watermelon, raw mangoes, peach, and loquat fruits. Traditional sweets like milk gourd finni, nakshi pitha (cake), rose pitha, and pati sapta pitha were prepared by the families of the High Commission's staff. Special dishes like kachchi, khichuri, and a wide variety of stuffed pithas accompanied by unique fillings like eggplant, taki fish, shrimp, and lentils further enriched the food offerings. The crowd also savored traditional Bangladeshi panta rice (fermented rice), a true symbol of the Bengali New Year feast.
This celebration of Pohela Boishakh not only showcased the cultural richness of Bangladesh but also deepened the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, further strengthening their shared bonds of friendship, unity, and cultural exchange.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
