Dhaka, April 14 -- Amidst a shifting political landscape, this year's Pahela Baishakh unfolded with a renewed vigour in Bangladesh, embracing both traditional festivity and powerful political symbolism.

The capital and other parts of the country buzzed with colour, music and hope as thousands of people came together to welcome Bangla New Year 1432, marked notably by the introduction of 'Ananda Shobhajatra', a new version of the iconic procession, carrying the theme "Nababarsh-er Oikotan, Fascibader Oboshan" - "The Harmony of New Year, End to Fascism."

The morning of April 14 saw Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts become the epicentre of celebration and protest. From 8 am, preparations buzzed with energy, culminating in a grand proc...