Dhaka, April 14 -- Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of the interim government, has called on citizens to take a collective pledge to build an inclusive and discrimination-free "New Bangladesh" on the first Bengali New Year since last year's mass uprising.

In a video message delivered on Monday, the first day of the Bengali year 1432, Yunus said: "The 2024 mass uprising has given us the opportunity to build a Bangladesh free from inequality. Let us not waste this chance. Building an inclusive Bangladesh should be our vow this New Year."

Extending greetings to the nation, he added: "Pohela Boishakh is a celebration of the heart, a universal festival of the Bengali people. Today is a day of joy and new beginnings for Bengalis across the world...