Dhaka University Celebrates Pahela Baishakh with Calls for Democratic Rebirth

The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University (DU) brought the streets of the capital to life on Tuesday morning with the traditional Mangal Shobhajatra procession, marking the first day of the Bengali New Year 1433.

The procession commenced at 9:00 AM following the national anthem. Participants, including students, teachers, and people from all walks of life, marched from the Fine Arts premises through the Raju Memorial Sculpture, Doyel Chattar, and Bangla Academy before returning to the faculty.

Symbols of a New Dawn

This year’s procession featured five major motifs—the rooster, elephant, dove, horse, and the Dotara—representing energy, glory, peace, momentum, and creativity, respectively.

Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, emphasized the symbolic weight of the rooster this year. "The rooster is a symbol of awakening. Like the bird that calls before sunrise, it represents our country’s transition to a democratic path after 18 years of an authoritarian system," he told reporters.

Culture and Heritage at Ramna Batamul

Earlier in the morning, the cultural organization Chhayanaut welcomed the New Year at Ramna Batamul. The program opened with Ajay Bhattacharya’s "Jago Alo-Logne," followed by a medley of songs and poems by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Lalon Shah. Renowned artists including Khairul Anam Shakil and Chandana Majumdar performed, while veteran reciters Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay and Khairul Alam Green moved the audience with powerful poetry.

Strict Security and Public Safety

To ensure a peaceful celebration, the university administration implemented rigorous security measures. The campus was monitored via CCTV, and entry was restricted through specific archways. The use of vuvuzelas, loud fireworks, and large bags was prohibited to maintain the solemnity and safety of the event.