A meeting was held today, Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University to plan the celebrations for Bengali New Year 1432. The meeting was presided over by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. Among those present were Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi, Advisor to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Dhaka University's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haq Bidisha; Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed; Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury; and Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmad, along with deans of various faculties, department heads, directors of different institutes, and office heads. Representatives from various ministries, departments, district and sub-district offices, law enforcement agencies, political parties, and social and cultural organizations also joined the meeting virtually.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held regarding the overall preparations and progress for the smooth celebration of Bengali New Year 1432 on the university campus. To ensure a peaceful, disciplined, and festive environment, a central coordination committee and several subcommittees have been formed, with Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haq Bidisha as the convener.

It was emphasized in the meeting that the Mangal Shobhajatra (festive procession) is a long-standing tradition of Dhaka University. To uphold this tradition while making it more inclusive, this year’s procession will be expanded in scale and diversity. In response to the ministry's call, the theme for this year’s procession will be "Harmony in the New Year, End of Fascism", ensuring broader public participation while embracing folk traditions and the spirit of 2024.

The Mangal Shobhajatra will begin at 9:00 AM on Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year’s Day) from the Faculty of Fine Arts. The procession will pass in front of the Children's Park, move through Shahbagh, and conclude at the Teacher-Student Center (TSC).

Security and Event Guidelines for Pohela Boishakh
Several security and organizational measures have been outlined for the celebrations on the university campus:

Restrictions on Masks and Bags: Wearing masks is prohibited, but masks crafted by the Faculty of Fine Arts may be carried by hand for display. Carrying bags inside the campus will not be allowed.
Ban on Vuvuzela Horns: Attendees are requested not to use or sell vuvuzela horns on campus.
Event Timing: All programs on campus must conclude by 5:00 PM. Entry into the campus will be permitted only until 5:00 PM, after which only exits will be allowed.
Vehicle Restrictions: From 7:00 PM on April 13 (the night before Pohela Boishakh), no vehicles except those with a university sticker will be allowed to enter the campus. On Pohela Boishakh, no vehicles, including motorcycles, will be allowed inside the campus.
Limited Access for Residents: Residents of the campus may only use the Nilkhet and Palashi gates for personal vehicle movement.
Restricted Entry Points: The gate behind the Raju Memorial Sculpture leading to Suhrawardy Udyan will remain closed on Pohela Boishakh. Visitors wishing to enter Suhrawardy Udyan can use the Chobir Haat gate (opposite the Faculty of Fine Arts), the gate in front of Bangla Academy, and the Engineering Institute gate.
Exit Routes from Suhrawardy Udyan: Attendees can exit through the Engineering Institute gate, the gate near Ramna Kali Mandir, and the Bangla Academy gate.
Public Services and Security Measures
To ensure a smooth celebration, the following facilities will be available:

Help Desk, Control Room, and Medical Camp: These will be set up in front of the Teacher-Student Center (TSC).
Public Toilets: Mobile public toilets will be installed near the Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall field, TSC, Doel Chattar, and Curzon Hall areas.
Surveillance: Law enforcement authorities have been requested to install and monitor CCTV cameras and archways for security purposes on the university campus.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and festive celebration of Pohela Boishakh 1432 at Dhaka University