Dhaka University (DU) began preparations for a grand and inclusive celebration of Bengali New Year 1432, with the theme “Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism.”
On Monday, March 24, a meeting was held at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building to finalize plans for the event. Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan presided over the meeting with participation from key university officials and cultural leaders.
Among those present were Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi, Advisor to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; pro-vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha; pro-vice Chancellor (Education), Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed; treasurer, Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury; and Proctor, Saifuddin Ahmad. Deans, department heads, and directors from various faculties and institutes also attended, alongside representatives from ministries, law enforcement agencies, political parties, and cultural organisations, who joined virtually.
‘Boisakh Shobhajatra’ (Mangal Shobhajatra), a signature bangla new year’s procession, remains at the heart of the celebrations. The meeting reaffirmed its status as a long-standing tradition of DU, embodying cultural heritage and national identity. This year, the procession will be broader, more diverse, and inclusive, in response to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs' call to uphold folk traditions while embracing contemporary social movements.
The procession will begin at 9:00 AM on Pohela Boishakh, on April 14, from the Faculty of Fine Arts and move through Shahbagh, making a full circuit near Shishu Park before concluding at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). To maintain security and order, participants will not be allowed to wear masks or carry bags within the university premises. However, masks crafted by the Faculty of Fine Arts can be displayed by hand. The use and sale of vuvuzela horns have also been banned on campus.
Ensuring a safe, orderly, and festive environment is a top priority. A central coordination committee and several subcommittees have been formed, with Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha as the convenor. All events on campus must conclude by 5:00 PM, after which entry will be restricted, allowing only exits.
Strict traffic regulations will be enforced to manage movement within the campus. On April 13 (New Year's Eve) from 7:00 PM, only university-stickered vehicles will be permitted. On New Year’s Day, all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, will be prohibited within the campus. Residents of university dormitories may use only the Nilkhet and Palashi gates for private vehicle access.
For public safety, the gate behind the Raju Memorial Sculpture leading to Suhrawardy Udyan will remain closed. Visitors to the park may enter through designated gates at Chobir Haat (Faculty of Fine Arts), Bangla Academy, and the Engineering Institute. Exit points will be at the Engineering Institute, Ramna Kali Temple, and Bangla Academy.
To facilitate public convenience, help desks, a control room, and a temporary medical camp will be set up in front of TSC. Mobile public toilets will be available at Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, TSC, Doel Chattar, and Curzon Hall. Dhaka University authorities have also requested law enforcement agencies to install and monitor an extensive network of CCTV cameras and archways to strengthen security throughout the celebrations.
With an emphasis on cultural unity and a powerful theme advocating for social justice and inclusivity, this year’s Pohela Boishakh celebrations at DU aim to honour heritage while inspiring change.
NRE/ST
