She met them at her official residence, Ganabhaban, on Sunday.

Extending her greetings to all Bangalis both at home and abroad on Pohela Boishkah, the premier hoped that the new year will make the lives of all people more beautiful with happiness.

Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, expressed her firm optimism that the journey of progress in Bangladesh will continue.

“We will build Bangladesh as Sonar Bangla. We will be able to do so. We have been relentlessly working to accomplish the goal,” the prime minister said.

On the occasion, artistes sang a number of songs-- including "Esho Esho Esho He Baishakh" and "Ananda Loke Mangol Aloke" of Rabindranath Tagore, to welcome the Bangla new year 1426.

Awami League central leaders first greeted Sheikh Haisna by presenting her with a bouquet.

Later, leaders of Dhaka City North and South Awami League and other units --along with the leaders of the party's different wings-- greeted the premier by presenting bouquets.

The guests were then entertained with traditional Bangali foods, sweets and snacks such as “pitha,” “khoi,” “batasa,” and “moa,” etc.