The government is planning to celebrate a “regional New Year” by involving neighbouring countries, alongside its ongoing initiatives to observe Baishakh throughout the entire month.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman revealed the plan at a press conference at the Department of Information on Tuesday.
“Bengali New Year or Pahela Baishakh is a cherished festival for Bengalis. After the success of this year’s very colourful Baishakh arrangements, the government is now thinking about celebrating the New Year on an even larger scale,” he said.
The adviser noted that the government did not have much time after taking office this year. “There are plans to organise various programmes and festivals throughout the entire month, not just for three or four days centred around Baishakh.”
He pointed out that New Year is also celebrated at the same time in Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of India.
“We will explore next year whether this festival can be celebrated regionally. Communication will be made with the concerned countries regarding this matter. This could build a kind of cultural diplomacy,” Zahed said.
“Efforts will be taken for a regional initiative where their cultural representatives will come to our country, and our representatives will go to those countries,” he added.
The information adviser claimed that fuel supply at pumps has been significantly higher this April compared to last year.
Citing information from several pumps in the capital, including BIDC Sports Club and Satata, he said supply over the last 19 days was higher than normal. The government has sufficient stocks of diesel, octane, and petrol, he added.
“A temporary crisis is mainly being created due to excess stocking or ‘panic buying’,” Zahed said.
He also announced the launch of the Fuel Pass app to increase digital monitoring of the oil market and said strict measures would be taken to stop the sale of oil in drums.
Regarding bus fare hikes following the rise in oil prices, the adviser said the government would consider the interests of both owners and consumers. He also said the government plans to divide air-conditioned bus fares into several tiers.
On IMF loans, Zahed claimed that fulfilling conditions is not mandatory for loan instalment waivers. “However, discussions are ongoing over some conditions in the interest of the economy.”
He claimed that transparency in loan management has increased significantly compared to the past.
The press conference also highlighted progress on several development projects. Land acquisition is ongoing for the Dhaka–Kanchpur–Sylhet–Tamabil highway four-lane project and the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway. Necessary land acquisition in Uttara and Savar areas has already been completed.
Meanwhile, a new “Air Traffic Management Centre” has been inaugurated at Shahjalal International Airport as part of modernising the air navigation system.
