Offering her greetings on the Bangla New Year 1426, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hoped that the new year will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of all Bengalis.
She was speaking at a greetings exchange programme with leaders and activists of the Awami League and its associate organisations at Gana Bhaban on Sunday.
"We will continue our journey of progress. Bengalis will walk with their heads held high on the world stage. Bangladesh will rise as a developed and prosperous nation," said Hasina, thanking the people for electing her to lead the country for a third straight term.
Activists and leaders started arriving at Gana Bhaban before 9am to take part in the new year's celebrations.
Artistes rendered a number of songs, including Rabindranath Tagore's 'Eso Eso He Baishakh', Anando Loke Mangal Aloke' and 'Alo Amar Alo', upon the prime minister's arrival at Gana Bhaban's Banquet Hall around 10:30 am.
Later, the Awami League's central committee leaders greeted the party's president Hasina with a bouquet.
Leaders and activists of the party's associate organisations also presented wreaths to the prime minister.
"We will strive for the welfare of the country and its people through all our endeavours. We will build a hunger and poverty-free golden Bangladesh as envisaged by the Father of the Nation," Hasina said in a short address.
Hasina called on the people to work unitedly for the advanacement of Bangladesh.
"We won the Liberation War under the leadership of the Father of the Nation. It is our goal now to implement the ideals of Bangabandhu and build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh."