Jamaat-e-Islami does not intend to interfere with the beliefs of any community, the party’s Dhaka-12 MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon said today.

He said while "Allah" is the sole arbiter of people’s well-being and misfortune, Jamaat has no objection if others seek their fortune or welfare elsewhere.

He made the remarks to journalists today ahead of a Pahela Baishakh procession in Dhaka, organised by Deshiya Sangskritik Sangsad.

Saiful Alam said Jamaat embraces Pahela Baishakh, noting that Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the Bangla calendar for revenue collection, which later evolved into the country’s annual new year celebrations.

He added that Islam accommodates cultures that do not contradict the principles of "Tawhid and Risalat", and embracing local culture is one of its key features. However, the party would not support anything that goes against the core tenets of Islam, he said.

The Jamaat leader said the party aims to uphold and nurture all forms of culture in the country, involving people from all walks of life.

Referring to Dhaka’s heritage, he said the capital is still known as the “city of mosques”, adding that farmers in villages continue the tradition of offering prayers in the fields after the call to prayer.

The procession began around 8:45am in front of the Jatiya Press Club and ended near Ramna Park via the High Court intersection.

Held under the theme “Awaken with new dreams and renewed spirit in the New Year”, it featured displays of traditional fruits, fish, palanquins and mosque motifs.

A group of children in colourful attire led the procession, carrying national flags. Many participants wore rural outfits, some with traditional headgear, and carried kites, winnowing fans and fishing tools.

Besides Saiful Alam, MPs Mohammad Kamal Hossain (Dhaka-5) and Nurul Islam Bulbul (Chapainawabganj-3), along with Deshiya Sangskritik Sangsad President Saifullah Mansur and party activists, were present.

Following the procession, a Baishakh festival began at Bakultala in Ramna Park at 10:00am, featuring traditional Bangla songs, patriotic music, jari-sari folk songs, gambhira performances, recitations, puthi readings and short plays, scheduled to continue until 3:00pm.