Hefazat-e-Islam labeled the Faculty of Fine Arts a hub for neo-pagan culture and accused India-aligned elites of promoting cultural fascism. Leaders claimed Muslims are the true pioneers of the Bengali calendar and must remain free from pagan influence. They warned that those compromising on monotheistic values cannot claim authentic Islamic identity, and urged Bangladesh’s Muslim population to stay alert against what they described as idol-worship-driven cultural conspiracies.

After the original “Portrait of Autocracy” was burned down just before the celebratory procession, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan confirmed that artists have been commissioned again to reconstruct it. “Obstacles and conspiracies are inevitable in such initiatives, but we will face them with faith and perseverance,” he stated. While acknowledging the time and effort required to rebuild the effigy, he expressed confidence in the artists. Cultural Advisor to the procession also saluted the organizers and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said that the arson attack on the Pahela Baishakh parade effigies at the Faculty of Fine Arts was a direct challenge to the July Movement. “These acts were committed by fascist sympathizers,” he said. He assured the public that the perpetrators will be apprehended swiftly. Cutting short his Sylhet trip, Farooki added that this year’s Baishakh celebrations will be inclusive of all religions and communities, aiming to reintroduce the nation through unity. Urging spontaneous participation in the festivities, he said, “This is not a time for fear or hesitation. Law enforcement is ready to ensure a festive and secure atmosphere.”

A general diary (GD) has been filed with Shahbagh police after parts of a sculpture—depicting Sheikh Hasina and a dove of peace—were set ablaze at the Faculty of Fine Arts. A university investigation committee has also been formed. Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said, “It appears to be a planned act, though nothing is confirmed. CCTV footage is currently inaccessible due to a forgotten password, but we are exploring alternative ways to retrieve it.” Professor Saima Haque Bidisha added that the decision to reconstruct the motif lies with the artists, and the administration will provide support as needed.

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has strongly condemned the burning of the effigy symbolizing fascism, reportedly associated with Prime Minister Hasina, at the Faculty of Fine Arts early yesterday. “Whether they belong to the soft Awami League or the so-called ‘B Team,’ everyone involved must be brought to justice swiftly,” Farooki said. He also emphasized that the upcoming rally must carry even greater significance. “This year’s initiative was the most inclusive so far. We even tried to understand the university authority’s position. But after yesterday’s incident, the presence of this symbolic demon feels more inevitable than ever. July marches on,” he added.

Chhayanaut is all set to welcome Bengali New Year 1432 with the theme “Amar Mukti Aloy, Aloy” (My Liberation Lies in Light). Their traditional morning event on Pahela Baishakh will call on society to unite in a collective journey toward enlightenment and freedom. Speaking ahead of the event, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa said that although the world is witnessing a decline in humanity and values, hope must not be lost. She envisioned a future where Bengalis rise together and return to joyful, harmonious living. The event will begin at 6:15 AM with a Raag Bhairavi performance and conclude with a spoken address by Dr. Sarwar Ali.

The traditional ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ procession marking Bengali New Year has been renamed ‘Borshoboron Anondo Shobhajatra’ (New Year Joyful Parade), as announced at a press conference by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Dean Azharul Islam said the event will be celebratory and inclusive. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki had hinted at the change earlier at a meeting on March 23.

The government has declared a public holiday on April 13 for the Chittagong Hill Tracts—Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban—in celebration of Chaitra Sankranti. Residents will enjoy a four-day holiday in total, including the preceding Friday and Saturday (weekend) and April 14 (Pahela Baishakh). All scheduled banks in these three districts will remain closed on April 13, according to a notice from Bangladesh Bank.

The government will ensure that the Bengali New Year and Chaitra Sankranti festivities are celebrated with equal enthusiasm in both the hill tracts and the plains, according to the Cultural Adviser. Key highlights include:
• April 4–19: Local New Year festivals and fairs across indigenous communities including Biju, Bisu, Sangrai, Bihu, Baha, and Wangala.
• April 12: Twelve regional Sadhumela fairs across the country, and the Fagua festival with tea workers in Sreemangal.
• April 13–14: Two-day cultural event by Nabopran Andolon at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
• April 13 (3 PM): Band show at Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka.
• April 14 (6:15 AM): Traditional New Year event by Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul.
• April 14 (6 AM): Cultural performances at Rabindra Sarobar by Surer Dhara with diverse ethnic groups.
• April 14 (9 AM): Grand parade by Dhaka University involving 28 ethnic communities.
• April 14 (Evening): Drone show and cultural program at the National Parliament’s South Plaza featuring a Chinese technical team and local bands.

The Directorate of Madrasa Education has instructed all madrasas in the country to organize two-day events in celebration of Chaitra Sankranti and the Bengali New Year.

The circular, signed by Deputy Director Md. Arifur Rahman Mojumdar, also includes traditional new year celebrations of indigenous communities such as the Chakma and Marma. The directive applies to principals of both government and private madrasas across the country.

A 25-member South Korean delegation visited the historic Panam City in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. The district commissioner guided them through the city’s archaeological and architectural highlights and briefed them on government preservation efforts.

Impressed by the aesthetics and history, the head of the Korean delegation described Panam City as “a remarkable testament to human civilization.”

After visiting the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), Adviser Mahfuz Alam said the government is working to transform BFDC into a profitable entity. He emphasized that all filmmaking activities—from shooting to editing—should be facilitated within BFDC. With its central location in Dhaka, the corporation has the potential to become a hub for the film industry, he added, urging stakeholders to make the most of available opportunities.

Following controversy over alleged obscene dancing and drug use in the stage play “Apon Dulaal” in Kapasia, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki clarified that the news reports are misleading. He attributed the play’s temporary halt to internal disputes between local organizers.

Farooki urged journalists to report facts responsibly and avoid sensationalism that could harm cultural development. “The reports claimed the stage was dismantled, but organizers said it was never even built at that point,” he wrote on Facebook, appealing for national unity and support for the arts.

Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has assured that the government has sufficient stockpiles of food grains, and there is no cause for concern regarding food security. Addressing the losses incurred during the recent floods, he stated that the government is importing food grains to compensate. A bumper Boro harvest is expected this season across the country, including the Haor regions. The government is actively working to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. “Farmers and agricultural laborers are the frontline soldiers of our development. If they thrive, the country will prosper,” he added. The government is also addressing irrigation issues in Haor areas, the illegal drying of canals and wetlands under the pretext of fishing, fertilizer and seed availability, and crop preservation. He further promised dredging of rivers and canals, highlighting Kishoreganj’s diverse agricultural landscape.

As the crescent moon signaled the arrival of Eid-ul-Fitr, Shilpakala Academy organized a grand celebration on Chand Raat (Moon Night). The event featured musical performances, including the iconic song ‘O Mon Romzaner Oi Rozar Sheshe Elo Khushir Eid’ by Kazi Nazrul Islam. Ahmed Noor Ameri and his team performed Qawwali and Maizbhandari music. The event was attended by Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooqi.