President Iajuddin has expressed the hope that cordial efforts of all to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh would be successful.

"May the New Year bring the message of happiness in everybody's life," he said in his message.

The importance of New Year in our national life is enormous as the English calendar alongside the Bengali one has effectively embroiled in our everyday life, the president observed.

In a separate message, Khaleda Zia called on the countrymen to put united efforts to build a beautiful, happy and prosperous Bangladesh.

She said, "We have to work with a view to marking the New Year as a successful one in our personal and national life."

The prime minister also hoped that the New Year would inspire us to march with enterprising enthusiasm.

She wished happiness, peace and prosperity of all.

In her message, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina called on the world leaders to come forward to remove the black shadow of conspiracy from the world by eliminating war and terrorist acts.

"Innocent people are losing their lives as the incidents of war and terrorist acts have increased in many countries of the world, which cannot be expectable to peace-loving people," she said.

Hasina said incidents of murder, rape, arson and extortion have been on the rise in the country in addition to price hike since the coalition government assumed office.

She said: "We want a world free from war, terrorism and hunger. We want skilled and creative human resources. I hope the dawn of the New Year will inspire us to get united for the welfare of the majority."

Meanwhile, former president AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury also wished a happy New Year to the countrymen.

In a message yesterday, Chowdhury said, "Let's begin the allied initiative to unite the nation in an objective to eliminate violence, corruption and poverty in the New Year."