Dhaka, March 31 -- Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the renaming of the "Mongol Shobhajatra" to the "Anondo Shobhajatra" was a needless move during the interim administration's tenure.

Speaking at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he said Pohela Boishakh will be celebrated with due dignity this year as well, following "traditional practices".

On the rationale behind the name change, the minister said: "There was no need to rename. The procession has always been known as the Mongol Shobhajatra.

"We are not allergic to Mongol nor do we gain from calling it Anondo. The debate is pointless."

A meeting was held at the Senate Building of Dhaka University to plan the celebrations for Bengali New Year 1433, chaired by Vice-Cha...