"For the last four decades, I have been a part of this industry, yet for the first time I received any such invitation," these are the words said by Hamin Ahmed, a member of Miles band at the Bengali New Year's Celebration arrangement programme today.

The information was posted on social media by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the Cultural Adviser, while divulging information about the arrangement of the Noboborsho celebration.

He further noted, "Can you believe it? And it wasn't just Hamin bhai—many others had a similar experience today. This was the first time such a meeting included representatives from different ethnic communities. Even among Bangalees, people from many backgrounds participated for the first time."

Farooki further stated, "We all know how band music had long been dismissed as "cultural degradation" and kept at a distance. Similarly, some elements were sidelined under the label of "Islamic culture". But today, in the same room at the Secretariat, representatives from bands, Surer Dhara, Chhayanaut, Saimum, as well as the Garo, Marma, and other ethnic communities, sat together. We engaged in brainstorming sessions with great enthusiasm and have already begun working on our programme."

He assured in the post that this year's Kendrio Shobhajatra (central procession) will not only be more inclusive but also more colourful and more musical. In addition, there will be a rock concert organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti, featuring bands from the Chakma, Garo, and Marma communities, alongside renowned Bangla-language bands. There will also be Baul and Fakiri music events arranged by private initiatives. Meanwhile, Surer Dhara, Chhayanaut, and other institutions will continue with their regular programmes.

He mentioned, "A special mention goes to Surer Dhara. This year, in response to the call for an inclusive festival, they are planning to feature ethnic artists performing their songs in their native languages, alongside Bangla music."

According to Farooki, the celebrations will conclude on the evening of April 14 at Manik Mia Avenue with a cultural event, followed by a drone show on 'July and New Year', supported by the Chinese Embassy.

Pohela Baishakh will be celebrated across the country, in every district and sub-district. The ministry has doubled the budget allocation for this. Special attention is being given to areas with significant ethnic populations, ensuring their participation.