Dhaka, April 2 -- Despite the interim government's move to rename the traditional Bangla New Year procession as "Anondo Shobhajatra" the festival remains registered as "Mangal Shobhajatra on Pahela Baishakh" on UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

UNESCO has clarified that it does not take a stance on national naming decisions, as such matters fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of member states.

Any formal change to the international listing, however, requires an official application from the government, the UNESCO says.

UNESCO's Head of Office and Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize told bdnews24.com via email that the Bangladesh government must submit a formal request if it wishes to synchronise the title with th...