Dhaka University (DU) Thursday celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar, amid tight security measures. A three-layer security cordon was put in place during the mangal shova yatra, with Rapid Action Battalion, SWAT and Dhaka Metropolitan Police keeping a hawk-eyed vigil to ensure a peaceful procession. State minister for culture KM Khalid and DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman led the procession that began from the Student-Teacher Centre of the university at 9am and culminated at the same place. "To build a harmonious, non-communal and humane society, such cultural festivals are very important," the V-C said.