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General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa echoed a similar sentiment, describing the Bangla New Year as a moment of collective renewal.

Inspired by the line “Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunno, Uccho Jetha Shir” from Rabindranath Tagore, organisers framed this year’s theme around fearlessness and dignity.

Vice-President Partha Tanvir Naved addressed safety concerns. “Security measures will be in place. We expect cooperation from law enforcement and the administration,” he said.

Vice-President Khairul Anam Shakil recognises the programme within a longer history of resistance. “Bangalees have long struggled to establish their identity. Attempts to silence them have never succeeded and will not succeed now,” he said, referring to past attacks, including the 2001 Ramna Batamul bombing.

The customary “Barshabaran” programme will begin at 6:15am at Ramna Park, continuing a practice that dates back to 1967, when Chhayanaut first helped shape Pahela Baishakh as a national cultural observance. Since then, the programme has come to embody Bangalee identity across diverse social borders.

This year, the two-hour programme will feature eight choral performances, 14 solo songs, and two recitations, with around 200 performers -- inculcating themes of nature, patriotism, and folk traditions, alongside tributes to Salil Chowdhury and composer Matlub Ali.

The event will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and Deepto TV, and streamed on platforms including Prothom Alo, bdnews24.com, and Chhayanaut’s official digital channels.

The press conference concluded with the song “Boishak Mase Aiso Bondhu,” returning to a note of invitation.