Fire burns motifs of 'fascism's face', 'pigeon of peace' meant for Pahela Baishakh celebrations at DU

Two motifs prepared by Dhaka University's Fine Arts faculty keeping the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebrations in mind have been burnt by a fire.

Among the burnt motifs, one was the shape of fascism's face and another was a pigeon for peace, our correspondent reported this morning (12 April).

The motif replicating fascism's face was burnt completely, while the pigeon for peace has burnt partially.

Contacted, Proctor of Dhaka University Saifuddin Ahmed said, "We are assuming that the fire incident happened between 4:45am and 5am. Members of the mobile team responsible for taking care of the motifs went for Fajr prayer during that time, when the fire might have originated."

Azharul Islam, dean of the Fine Arts faculty, confirmed the matter saying the motifs were burnt in a fire at dawn.

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This year, the resolution of Pahela Baishakh celebrations has been fixed as "Unity of Noboborsha, end of fascism."

Keeping this resolution in mind, the shape of fascism's face was prepared as the main motif. The 20 feet long motif was built with bamboo and cane and had a woman's face with big teeth.

The fascism's face had four horns on its head, while the mouth was kept open and the nose and eyes were large in size and fearful.  

Earlier on yesterday (11 April), the traditional "Mongol Shobhajatra" procession, a central part of Pahela Baishakh celebrations in Bangladesh, was renamed "Anondo Shobhajatra."

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka, which organises the annual procession.