Dhaka, April 14 (IANS) Thousands of people converged on the streets of the Bangladesh capital Thursday to celebrate the first day of the Bangla New Year amidst tight security.

Ramna park, the traditional venue of the Bangla New Year celebrations, and other places in the capital saw unprecedented security arrangements in place.

A bomb attack at Ramna park on the Bangla New Year day in 2001 had killed 10 people and wounded several hundreds.

This year, we have deployed 7,000 police men and forces from the rapid action battalion (RAB) in and around Ramna Park and in areas close by, a senior official of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police told IANS.

A dog squad, RAB personnel, close-circuit security cameras and metal detectors were activated as part of the security measures.

Despite the tight security, people in the capital and across the country danced, sang and beat the drums to welcome the Bangla New Year 1412.

The Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University brought out a colourful procession attended by thousands of people.

The opposition Awami League brought out a new year's procession in the morning.

Bangladesh President Professor Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and opposition leader Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the people on the occasion of the Bangla New Year.

The government has announced the day as a national holiday.

In medieval India, Mughal Emperor Akbar had introduced the Bangla New Year to boost tax collections. In line with tradition, traders and shopkeepers open 'halkhata' (fresh accounts book) and offer sweets to customers and visitors.