Dhaka University convened a meeting on Tuesday to finalise arrangements for the upcoming Bengali New Year, Pohela Boishakh 1433 celebrations.
The session took place at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, chaired by Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam.
The meeting was attended by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Sayema Haque Bidisha, Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Azharul Islam Sheikh, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, deans of various faculties, hall provosts, department chairmen, directors of several institutes, Director Generals of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, and the National Museum, the joint secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, office heads, and representatives from Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).
Officials discussed preparations and overall progress for a safe and organised celebration of the New Year on campus.
This year’s theme has been announced as ‘Noboborsher Oikotan, Gonotronter Punorutthan’ which means Unity of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.
Vice-Chancellor Obaidul Islam urged everyone to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly celebration with a festive atmosphere.
A central coordination committee was formed to oversee the celebrations, appointing Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Sayema Haque Bidisha as chairperson and Faculty of Fine Arts Dean Azharul Islam Sheikh as member-secretary.
Several sub-committees were also established to manage different aspects of the programme.
The New Year procession will begin at 9am from the Faculty of Fine Arts, passing through the Raju Memorial Sculpture, Doyel Chattar, and Bangla Academy, before returning to the Faculty of Fine Arts.
On Pohela Boishakh, masks and bags will be restricted within the campus, though participants may display masks provided by the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Authorities have requested everyone to refrain from using or selling vuvuzelas on campus and ordered all events must conclude by 5pm.
After 5pm, no entry will be allowed into the campus.
From 7pm on 13 April, only university-authorised vehicles with stickers will be permitted on campus.
Authorities also ordered no vehicles, including motorcycles, will be allowed on premises the day. Residents using private vehicles will be permitted to enter only through the Nilkhet and Polashi gate areas.
The gate in front of the Shaheed Minar near the Student-Teacher Centre will remain closed. Visitors may enter Shaheed Minar grounds via the Faculty of Fine Arts front gate, Bangla Academy front gate, or Engineering Institute gate.
Exit will be through the Engineering Institute gate, Ramna Kali Mandir gate, or Bangla Academy gate.
A help desk, control room, and temporary medical camp will operate in front of the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC). Mobile public toilets will be installed near Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall grounds, the TSC, Doyel Chattar, and Carzon Hall areas.
For enhanced security, authorities requested the police to install sufficient CCTV cameras and archways on campus and monitor them during the celebrations.
