Preparations for Pohela Boishakh celebrations at the University of Chittagong have slowed significantly, with just days remaining before the festival, as disagreements over coordination and budget persist between the administration and the Institute of Fine Arts.
A visit to the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Chittagong on Wednesday found that much of the preparatory work had been suspended, with students alleging a lack of coordination and insufficient financial support.
Students said they were unable to continue preparations due to uncertainty over planning and delays in funding.
For years, the Institute of Fine Arts organised vibrant Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Chattogram city. However, since the institute was relocated to the campus, the university administration has moved to centralise this year’s celebrations, leading to tensions.
Students claim the administration is discouraging independent arrangements by the institute and urging them to participate only in a centrally organised programme, which they say undermines their creative autonomy and long-standing tradition.
“The main problem is lack of coordination, followed by budget constraints,” said Tanvir, a student of the 2021–22 academic session. “We were asked to join the central programme, but there is little interest in supporting our own arrangements. With only Tk20,000, it is impossible to complete the preparations.”
Another student, Shahriar Hasan Sohel, said the issue goes beyond funding. “Our dignity is also at stake. We are being asked to do the work without having any role in decision-making. Our creativity is not being valued,” he said, also alleging that administrative hesitation over hosting events on campus is slowing progress.
Mongzaida Chak, a master’s student and member of the Boishakh celebration convening committee, said the shift from city arrangement to a centralised campus arrangement has affected the institute’s distinct identity. “Earlier, we organised everything independently. Now centralisation is limiting our uniqueness,” she said.
She added that the institute’s initial allocation of Tk20,000 covered only a small fraction of the required budget. Although the work was started, funding shortages and administrative delays have hindered further progress.
Students warned that if support from the administration does not materialise, they may proceed with their own arrangements with help from alumni.
However, representatives of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) said efforts were underway to coordinate activities.
Cucsu Cultural and Publication Secretary Harezul Islam said a joint committee had been formed with both the administration and the Institute of Fine Arts to ensure successful organisation. “Work had already started when we visited recently,” he said, adding he was not aware that preparations had stalled.
Cucsu Vice-President Ibrahim Hossain Rony expressed optimism that celebrations would proceed as planned, with support from all concerned.
Institute Director Taslima Akter said the move toward a central arrangement reflects the institute’s relocation to campus. “The university wants to organise the celebration centrally with our cooperation,” she said.
She acknowledged delays in funding, noting that the institute had provided Tk20,000 initially and was set to release an additional Tk50,000, while expecting further allocation from the university soon.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Al-Forkan, however, denied any coordination gap. “There is no lack of coordination. Work is ongoing,” he said, adding that students had not formally informed him of any separate organisation.
Traditionally, the Institute of Fine Arts organised colourful processions in the city’s Badsha Mia Road area, while the university administration held parallel cultural events on campus.
