The ethnic minority communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts started to observe the three-day Biju festival today (April 12).

The festival is known by different names in different communities -- Biju, Bihu, Bishu, Baisu, Sangrai, Sanglan and Chakran.

During this time, they will pray that the new year brings blessings in everyone's lives by removing all the sorrows and sufferings of the old year.

People in Bandarban celebrated Biju, the festival of Chakmas, and Bishu of Tanchangyas by offering flowers in the Shankha river at sunrise today.

At least one million people of 13 ethnic communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Bom, Kheyang, Lusai, Dak, Murong, Tongchonga, Pangon, Chakh, Lumi and Rakhain live in three hilly districts Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.

Bandarban's Superintendent of Police Md Tariqul Islam said security measures have been taken on the occasion of the New Year celebrations. 

"I hope everyone can celebrate the festival safely," he also added.

BDST: 1954 HRS, APRIL 12, 2023
MSK/SMS