The Bengali calendar year (Bangla Sal) relates to the revenue collection so far its inception is concerned. The credit goes to Mughal Emperor Akber and its count began from 1526 AD, but according to the Arabic calendar year. Therefore, when we welcome the Bengali New Year, our motto should be, “We shall pay tax and inspire others to do it.”
But what did we see on Monday in the name of celebration of 1421 Bangla Sal? It was simply perverted form of culture having no connection with the inherent objective of the Bangla Sal. The horrendous masks, so-called mongal shovayatra, and the speakers’ indifference to focus on the idea of the Bangla Sal are never acceptable. It, therefore, implies upon the government to start campaign to inform the people of the genuine reasons behind the introduction of Bangla Sal by Emperor Akber.
From next year, united efforts between the government and the individuals should be to strive hard for the truth.
Ameer Hamzah
Dhaka
