Staff Reporter<:/strong>
Dhaka University (DU) became ready to celebrate Pahela Boishakh today with huge festivities, with preparations for the ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ after completion ‘shovajatra works’ yesterday.
Marking Bengali New Year 1433, this year’s procession will begin at 9:00am from the Faculty of Fine Arts with the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Resurrection of Democracy.”
Artists and students were seen working intensively to complete large-scale motifs, including the much-anticipated elephant structure.
The procession will start from Gate No. 3 (North) of the faculty, proceed towards Shahbagh, make a U-turn there, pass the Raju Sculpture and TSC, head towards Doel Chattar, and return via Bangla Academy.
Authorities have set strict entry and security guidelines. Participants will be allowed to enter only through Nilkhet and Palashi intersections, while other entry points will remain closed.
To maintain order and aesthetic appeal, entering the procession from the sidelines is prohibited. Carrying ID cards is mandatory.
Masks, bags, vuvuzelas, balloons, festoons, fireworks, and English placards are prohibited. However, masks made by the Faculty of Fine Arts may be carried by hand. No English placards are allowed in the New Year procession.
“The work on large-scale motifs for the Boishakhi Shobhajatra is almost finished. Students are working late into the night to complete the elephant motif,” said Sajid Al Saikat, a student of the Faculty of Fine Arts, while sharing updates on the preparations.
This year’s procession will feature five large motifs – the Rooster, Violin, Pigeon, Elephant, and Horse. Following the tradition of folk symbols, these represent the multi-dimensional significance of strength, creation, peace, glory, and dynamism.
Additionally, a performance of the national anthem, ‘Esho hey Baishakh’, and patriotic songs by 35 instrumentalists will enhance the vibrant atmosphere. Two hundred students will also carry the national flag of Bangladesh.
Several gates to Suhrawardy Udyan (behind Raju Sculpture, Chobir Haat, and near Ramna Kali Mandir) will remain closed during the procession.
All campus programmes must conclude by 5:00pm. Entry to the campus will be allowed until 5:00pm, after which only exit will be permitted.
From 7:00pm on Monday, no vehicles – except those with university stickers or emergency services – are allowed to enter the campus. No vehicles or motorcycles will be permitted. Residents may use their private vehicles only through the Nilkhet and Palashi gates.
The university will provide help desks, a control room, and a temporary medical camp in front of the TSC. Mobile public toilets will be installed near Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, TSC, Doel Chattar, and Curzon Hall. Extensive CCTV cameras and archway metal detectors have been installed for security.
As part of the celebrations, a cultural program is being held at the ‘Bakultala’ of the Faculty of Fine Arts starting at 4:00pm, featuring folk music, dance, and various art forms.
Furthermore, on April 15 and 16, current and former students, along with ‘Prottay Bangladesh,’ will stage traditional Jatra plays titled “Bagdatta” and “Devi Sultana.”
