At this year's Pahela Baishakh celebration at Ramna Batamul, Chhayanaut, led by President Dr. Sarwar Ali, issued a fervent appeal for a fear-free society and the preservation of cultural freedom and tolerance. Dr. Ali recounted a series of attacks on cultural spaces and artists throughout the past year, including the vandalism of musical instruments at Chhayanaut, the tearing of children's books at Nalanda, and attacks on Udichi and Baul artistes, underscoring a disturbing rise in intolerance. He emphasized the historical significance of music in Bengali identity and its unifying power, warning against forces attempting to suppress this through fear and intimidation. Amidst global conflicts, he expressed hope for peace and a society where all forms of cultural expression can thrive without obstruction.