Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The nation is welcoming on Thursday the Bangla New Year 1418 in a traditional manner amid a colourful festivity across the country.

The festivity in the capital Dhaka began after sunrise with thousands of people thronging the banyan tree at Ramna Udyan where artistes of cultural organization Chhayanaut belted out the traditional Pahela Baishakh song of Rabindranath Tagore–“Esho hey Baishakh”–to welcome the day.

From early morning people in traditional attires started gathering at different venues in the capital and elsewhere in the country to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year.

The major centers of celebration in the capital including, Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Shahbagh and Dhaka University campus, are under multi-tier security net.

The elite anti-crime force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police have installed closed-circuit cameras and security arches while plainclothes security personnel have been posted alongside the street patrols at the main festival venues, including Ramna Batmul in city.

“A total of 33,000 police, RAB and intelligence personnel would be deployed across the country including 175 strategic points of the capital tomorrow,” State Minister for Home Advocate Shamsul Haque Tuku told reporters on Wednesday.

The state minister also said that special intelligence watch has already been geared up in different strategic areas of the capital ahead of Pahela Baishakh.

City people started the day with the traditional breakfast of ‘panta bhat’ (soaked rice), green chilies, onion, and fried Hilsha fish at Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University Campus, Rabindra Sarobor at Dhanmondi and other amusement places.

However, the Hilsha has become dearer in the market as a pair big-size fresh Hilsha was sold at BDT 2,500, while the price of one pair frozen Hilsha fish was BDT 1,200 on Wednesday.

The Bangla year with its first month Baishakh was introduced during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar from 1556-1605AD.

Thursday is a public holiday. Social, political and cultural organisations have taken up elaborate programs to celebrate the day.

President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia in separate messages on Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion.

Bangladesh Betar and all television channels air special programs while newspapers publish special supplements.

BBN/SSR/SI-14Apr11-4:18 pm (BST)