Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki clarified that this year’s Bengali New Year celebration parade was not political in nature. Speaking at the Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Arts’ procession on Monday, April 14, he stated that the use of a fascist face in the parade did not represent any political party. “Fascism is not a form of politics; it is the embodiment of evil,” he said. “We used a symbolic image of fascism, but unfortunately, a particular political group misused it to attack their opponents.”

Farooki emphasized that the celebration represents a blend of cultural heritages—from the Mughal era to the Sultanate period—showcasing traditions of all communities in Bangladesh. He noted that there was no imposition in renaming the parade this year. While the procession was once called “Borshoboron Shovajatra” in Jessore and later “Anondo Shovajatra” in Dhaka, it was eventually renamed “Mongol Shovajatra” under pressure. This year, the Faculty of Fine Arts decided to return to the name originally used at Charukola.

He further added, “For years, this has been treated as a festival of Bengalis. But it is more than that—it belongs to all of Bangladesh. Ethnic groups like the Chakma, Marma, and Garo also observe the New Year.”

Describing Pahela Boishakh as a significant symbol of Bangladesh’s cultural unity and collective spirit, Farooki concluded, “We may not be here in 20 or 30 years, but this year will be remembered as a turning point. From now on, this is the direction Bangladesh will move toward.”