United News of Bangladesh

Preparations for the ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’, a vibrant procession to welcome the Bengali New Year 1432, are in their final stages, according to organisers. During a visit to Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola) on Sunday, artists were seen working with great zeal and dedication. No one allowed to join ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ arbitrarily: DMP chief The restoration of the partially burnt ‘Dove of Peace’ has been completed, and efforts are underway to remake a similar face structure symbolising fascism, which was also damaged in Saturday's fire. An effigy symbolising Sheikh Hasina’s fascism was set ablaze on Saturday at the Fine Arts Institute. Crafted from bamboo and cane, the depiction portrayed a woman with a toothy grin, four horns on her head, a large nose, and two fearful eyes. The striking image led many to believe it resembled ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  On Saturday early morning, a fire broke out at the Fine Arts Faculty where the motifs were being made: the monstrous fascist face motif was completely burnt in the fire, while the dove of peace motif was also partially burnt. DU to hold ‘Barshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra’ instead of ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ In a Facebook post made Saturday morning, Cultural Affairs adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki condemned the incident and warned that those involved - regardless of political label - must face legal consequences. They said the work will be completed before dawn tomorrow. With the slogan ‘Symphony of New Year, End of Fascism’, the ‘Ananda Shobajatra' will start tomorrow at 9 am from in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts. Preparations for the procession will begin at 8 am. The procession will start from in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts and pass by Shahbagh intersection, TSC intersection, Shaheed Minar, Physical Education Centre, Doel Square, and end again at the Faculty of Fine Arts via the road in front of Bangla Academy. ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ motifs burnt at DU Fine Arts Faculty To maintain discipline and beauty, entry into the procession will not be allowed from the sides. The authorities have requested everyone to join the procession from the end point. On Pahela Boishakh, no kind of mask-wearing or carrying of bags will be allowed on the university campus. However, masks prepared by the students of the Faculty of Fine Arts can be carried in hand and displayed. The authorities asked people to end all types of New Year programs on campus by 5 pm tomorrow. On the occasion of the New Year, from 7 pm this evening, no vehicles without a university sticker will be allowed to enter the campus. On New Year’s Day, no type of vehicle will be allowed to run on the campus, and motorcycle riding is completely prohibited. Any resident of the university campus may use only the gates near Nilkhet intersection and Palashi intersection for commuting with their own vehicles.  

Artists at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola) are working tirelessly to reconstruct the ‘fascist effigy’ that was set on fire just days ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations marking the Bengali New Year 1432. The effigy, which was the central attraction of this year's Ananda Shobhajatra (festive procession), was burned in a late-night act of vandalism. But the artists have taken on the challenge of recreating the piece overnight at the advice of Dhaka University authorities, using makeshift materials such as corrugated sheets to meet the urgent timeline. 'Fascist’s Effigy' burned at DU: Farooki blames Hasina’s ‘allies’, vows stronger resistance During a visit to the Charukola premises, it was found that the artists were working with intense dedication despite the pressure. They shared that the original motif had taken nearly a month to design and build — making it a near-impossible task to replicate within hours. Still, they remain determined to ensure that the spirit of the festival is not diminished. “The original artwork required immense effort and artistic devotion,” said one of the artists involved in the reconstruction. “Those who set it ablaze have not only insulted our creation but also the spirit of art itself. We demand exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.” University authorities confirmed that artists had resumed work from the morning and added that the matter had been left entirely in their hands. "We trust the artists and their commitment to the cultural heritage this festival represents," a spokesperson said. This year’s Shobhajatra features several symbolic motifs aimed at voicing protest against authoritarianism. Alongside the reconstructed ‘face of fascism’, other artistic elements include representations of hilsa fish, tigers, palanquins, birds, and even a model of the popular ‘Mughdho’s water bottle’, blending satire with tradition. The attack on the motif has sparked outrage and debate across social and cultural platforms, but the artists' swift and defiant response has reignited hope and pride among supporters of free expression. As the first light of Pahela Baishakh dawns, the reconstructed effigy will stand not only as a symbol of resistance to tyranny but also as a testament to the unwavering spirit of Bangladesh’s artistic community.