Young couples celebrate Valentine's Day

Dhaka, Feb 14 (bdprem.com) – Thousands of young couples celebrate Valentine's Day Thursday with hearts, flowers and messages to their loved ones. The history of Valentine's Day is unclear but the most common tale is that the name Valentine originated from the 3rd century Catholic priest Valentine. Your Ad Here During the period, Valentine defied the Roman emperor Claudius II, who had imposed a ban on marriage, and arranged nuptials for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered the emperor ordered that Valentine be put to death. It is said by some that Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter in confinement. Before his death the last words of a letter to his beloved were: "From your Valentine". Whether the latter be true or not, the sacrifice and devotion of the Roman priest has become the symbol of human love across the world today. Valentine's Day celebrations are relatively new in Bangladesh but media and commercial culture have made it a hugely popular one. For young lovers, particularly in the cities, the day is special for exchanging gifts, Valentine cards and flowers. Shops are found to be offering an increasing variety of Valentine-themed sales. Different cultural, social and business organisations are hosting diverse events marking the day, with TV channels also broadcasting special programmes. Concerts have become a favourite Valentine's Day event for young couples and bands will perform in different venues to entertain young. World Valentine's Day Celebration Council will start a colourful rally at 3.00 pm in front of Saparjito Swadhinota crossing. The Rabindra Sarobar at Dhanmondi Lake has arranged a concert. Rabirag will perform love songs at 6.30 pm at the WVA Auditorium at Dhanmondi. Concord Communication Company Ltd has arranged Valentine's Day concerts at Fantasy Kingdom and Water World. Five star hotels such as Sheraton, Sonargaon and Radisson have arranged special Valentine menus for couples.