US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday sent Bangladeshis living across the world a new year message ahead of Bengali New Year 1416 - which is celebrated Tuesday, according to dpa. "I send greetings to all around the world who are observing Pahela Boishakh (the first day of Bengali calendar), the New Year festivity celebrated by those who share common Bengali culture," Clinton said in a message released by the US embassy in Dhaka. Sharing a common cultural heritage, Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal celebrate the Bengali New Year with huge festivities. "As you welcome the year 1416, I salute the spirit of tolerance and shared linguistic and cultural heritage that brings so many together, regardless of religion or nationality, to usher in a new year with music, drama, and traditional foods," added the Clinton's statement. She hoped for a new beginning as the world was passing through the greatest economic challenges in generations. "We all must stand together to embrace the New Year's promise of rebirth and renewal. It is our shared hope for the future - our shared dream of a better world for our children - that brings us all together to celebrate our common humanity," Clinton said wishing "Shubho Nobo Borsho! (Happy New Year) " Bangladesh saw a large-scale mutiny by border patrol guards in February, threatening the new government of Sheikh Hasina after two years of military-backed emergency rule.
