Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts has officially changed the name of its famed New Year’s procession from "Mangal Shobhajatra" to "Borsoboron Anondo Shobhajatra", in a significant rebranding of the Pahela Baishakh tradition.
The announcement was made on Friday (11 April), during a press conference held at the Osman Jamal Auditorium of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Dean Professor Dr Md Azharul Islam Sheikh confirmed the change, marking the culmination of ongoing discussions surrounding the event’s title.
Calls for renaming the procession had been mounting since preparations for the Bengali New Year began, with various political and non-political groups and individuals advocating for a change.
Cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was repeatedly questioned by the press on the matter, though he maintained that the final decision rested with Dhaka University, the event’s principal organiser.
The press conference also highlighted the continued cultural significance of the procession, which remains a key feature of the country’s New Year festivities.
Organised annually by the Faculty of Fine Arts, the vibrant parade symbolises celebration, unity and artistic expression.
This year’s procession is part of the wider celebrations to welcome the Bengali New Year 1432, with preparations already in full swing.
The faculty reiterated its commitment to upholding the tradition with the same grandeur and spirit that have long defined the event.
Present at the press briefing were Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan; Professor Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and convenor of the Central Coordination Committee for the 1432 celebrations; Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed; Treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury; and Dean Professor Dr Md Azharul Islam Sheikh, who also serves as member secretary of the central committee.
Also in attendance were Professor AAM Kawsar Hassan, member secretary of the parade’s sub-committee; Proctor Saifuddin Ahmad; and members of various coordination and sub-committees involved in organising the festivities.
