Two symbolic structures set to be featured in Dhaka’s traditional Bengali New Year procession were destroyed in a suspicious fire early Saturday morning, just two days ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar.
Authorities have suggested the incident may be an act of sabotage.
The motifs, crafted from bamboo and cane, were being prepared and at the final stage on the grounds of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University.
One of them, a towering 20-foot installation dubbed the “Face of Fascism,” depicted a woman with a wide, toothy grin, menacing eyes, horns, and an exaggerated nose.
Its striking features drew widespread attention, with many noting its resemblance to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted following a mass uprising last year.
The second motif represented a pigeon, symbolizing peace, and was similarly destroyed in the early morning blaze.
Security footage from the scene shows a masked individual wearing a black T-shirt entering the premises and setting the installations ablaze, leaving the scene within 92 seconds. Authorities have yet to identify the suspect.
The fire has triggered renewed controversy and debate, especially as it came just hours after authorities officially renamed the annual UNESCO-recognized procession from Mangal Shobhajatra to Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki reacted swiftly before any investigation was launched, blaming supporters of the former ruling party for the act.
“The cohorts of Hasina have burned the face of fascism,” Farooki stated in a Facebook post.
He further added, “Whether they are part of the Awami League or its soft allies the individuals responsible for this fire must be held accountable.”
This year’s theme for the 1432 Bengali New Year, “New Year’s Harmony, End of Fascism,” was directly inspired by the pro-democracy movement that took place during the July-August uprising. The now-destroyed fascist motif was intended to be the centerpiece of the renamed Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra procession, which has historically served as a symbol of cultural resistance and unity.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police additional commissioner Nazrul Islam termed the incident motivated. He said, “It seems that it was not an accident. Someone intentionally did it. We are sure about it.”
He said that there are many closed-circuit cameras around the campus and we will be able detect it.
“Right now, we cannot say that who have done it. The matter will be unearthed after an investigation,” he said.
Responding to a question, he said, “If we can identify the individual responsible for setting fire to the motifs, we will be able to say about the masterminds or who have been involved.”
He said besides police personnel, two members of the proctorial teams were on the spot.
“The two members of proctorial teams possibly went for saying prayers at 5:00am. I am yet to know anything details about the police force as the members of the team are yet to be grilled,” he added.
A 10-strong police team was deployed at the scene.
The authorities formed a five-member probe body, headed by Professor Siddiqur Rahman to investigate the incident.
The footage from the area shows an individual pouring a flammable liquid and setting two motifs on fire early this morning, proctor Saifuddin said describing the suspect as a young man wearing a black T-shirt, brown trouser and a pair of black sandals.
“He reportedly entered through Gate 3 — located in the middle of the Charukola (Fine Arts) premises –by climbing over it. It is unclear where the individual came from,” the proctor said.
According to him, the suspect first poured liquid, presumed to be flammable, then moved out of the camera’s view behind a curtain.
“Later, we saw flames in the footage, indicating he may have tested with a lighter before starting the fire,” he added.
After analysing the footages, assistant proctor Israfil Ratan, who was also the member secretary of the probe body, told reporters that the suspect left the scene with a minute and a half.
He said the youth climbed the wall of Fine Arts Institute and left the premises in 92 seconds after setting the motifs on fire.
“He entered the premises at 4:45 am and left the premises at 4:46 and 32 seconds,” he said.
“The boy is very smart…. he is not an ordinary individual…. It seems that he was assigned,” he said adding the individual exited through the same gate and headed toward the Chhobir Haat gate of Suhrawardy Udyan.