In full compliance of restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, officials of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and SAFETYNET joined in the annual festivities of Shakrain in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Shakrain is one of the most important traditional festivals in Bangladeshi culture, originating in Old Dhaka, but now being celebrated countrywide.
While Shakrain is typically a colorful and cheerful celebration of unity and friendship being celebrated with kite-flying in the daytime and fireworks and light displays at night, this year’s festivities were toned down to comply with disease prevention protocols necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bangladesh Director of SAFETYNET Colonel Dr. Syed Hassan Abdullah took a rational approach towards infection prevention at this year’s Shakrain. Rather than recommending a total cancellation of this erstwhile crowded event, Dr. Abdullah chose to participate in the festivities as a way to promote the safe celebration of the "new normal life" during the ongoing epidemic.
Also in attendance at the festival were US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Robert Miller, Bangladesh’s Flag Girl Priota Iftekhar, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo Gunnar Urea, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Swiss Embassy Karin Henchoz Piganani, Deputy Chief of the Afghan Embassy Mr. Phibab, and other international dignitaries.
