Viber promotes safe, responsible Baishakhi celebrations

As part of its social responsibility, Rakuten Viber is taking numerous measures to help everyone stay connected with family, friends and communities. After launching several features in the wake of COVID-19, Viber now aims to reach out to people staying at home during Bangladesh’s biggest festival, the Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh.

Following government directives for COVID-19, most people will be socially distancing themselves during the Pahela Baishakh festival this year. Wishing loved ones in these days of coronavirus has become all the more important. Now in the comfort of their own homes, people in Bangladesh can use the ‘Shubho Noboborsho Bot’ especially designed with curated stickers, cool polaroid frames and attractive cards to make their wishes more personalised and heartfelt.

To make wishing more fun, Viber has also added on-screen animation when people use texts such as Shubho Noboborsho and Pahela Baishakh.

With health and safety as a priority, Anubhav Nayyar, Senior Director, Business Development APAC, Rakuten Viber said “At the outbreak of COVID 19, we want people to take social distancing seriously even at the time of the festival. As a company, we understand the importance of this special day and thus want the people of Bangladesh to stay at home but stay connected with their loved ones amid the crisis. This initiative will add some fun to their lives during the festivities while defeating the virus from spreading by staying at home.”

Viber has also requested people of Bangladesh to #stayathome through a social media challenge posted on its official account. As more and more private companies are taking health and safety measures amid the COVID-19 crisis, people are finding effective ways of connecting with their community.

Pahela Baishakh might have to be celebrated differently this year, but through Viber, people can still celebrate responsibly and stay connected with their loved ones.