Bangladesh embraces New Year 2018 with renewed hopes

Bangladesh has welcomed the New Year 2018 along with other countries across the world with renewed hopes that the new year will open doors for new possibilities.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 31 Dec 2017, 07:45 PM
Updated : 31 Dec 2017, 09:12 PM

New Zealand's Auckland is the first to ring the welcome bell of the New Year because of its orbital position on the globe, triggering the ripple effect of celebrations.

Revellers filled the Dhaka streets as the clock ticked past midnight on Sunday.

Fireworks covered the sky with the air filled with loud bangs of firecrackers as many gathered on rooftops, despite a ban on open-air programmes and parties, and fireworks.

Students of Dhaka University celebrated the New Year at the campus. The upscale hotels also organised programmes.

Many of the buildings are decorated with lights of various colours.

President Md Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Leader of the Opposition Raushon Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued messages on the occasion.

Hamid greeted the people on the occasion and wished all happiness and welfare in the new year.

Hasina said in her message, “The outgoing 2017 was a glorious year in the history of the Bangalee nation . . . let the new year bring in all our lives untainted happiness, peace and prosperity."

The prime minister also spoke about her government’s achievements.

She said Bangladesh had achieved lower middle-income status, one of the top positions in economic indicators. “Bangladesh is a role model of development in the world,” she added.

Raushon wished all peace and progress in the new year. She urged all to shun hostility and work for the country together.

Khaleda also called for unity to ‘restore democracy’ in the new year after passing 2017 in ‘pains of losing loved ones and rights’.