Dhaka, March 29 -- The Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, the premier coalition of cultural organisations, has demanded abolition of a time limit on Bangla New Year celebrations, labelling such restrictions 'discriminatory and unacceptable'.

Its President Ghulam Quddus and General Secretary Ahkamullah issued a statement on Friday, criticising the decision to limit the Pahela Baishakh celebrations to 6pm.

"Bangla New Year is the biggest universal non-communal festival of Bengalis. For hundreds of years, the Bangla New Year has been celebrated through Baishakhi fairs, cultural events and traditional sports," they said in the statement.

"From morning, all men and women, regardless of religion and caste, participate in this festival until deep in...