A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directives to permanently halt the Mongol Shobhajatra, held during Pohela Boishakh, citing concerns over potential harm to the faith, religious freedom, constitutional rights, and communal harmony of the country’s Muslim majority.
The writ was filed on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan (Mamun) in the public interest.
The respondents named in the petition include the secretaries of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, and the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Speaking on the matter, the petitioner stated that the government has, at times, changed the name of the Mongol Shobhajatra in response to public sentiment, only to revert to the original name later. He said the writ was filed to seek a final resolution to the issue.
According to the petition, the Mongol Shobhajatra is not an ancient Bengali tradition but rather a relatively recent initiative that began in 1989 under the name “Ananda Shobhajatra” and was later incorporated into Pohela Boishakh celebrations.
The petition further argues that carrying large effigies of birds, fishes and animals while seeking “welfare” or “auspiciousness” is contrary to Islamic beliefs, which hold that such prayers should be directed solely to Allah.
It also claims that several motifs used in the procession are historically associated with Hindu religious symbols, which could provoke religious sentiments among Muslims and pose a risk of communal tension between different communities.
The petition states that such a situation could violate Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, which guarantee protection of law and the right to life.
The petitioner further contends that state patronage of what he describes as an artificially created activity is unlawful and contrary to Article 41 of the Constitution, which ensures freedom of religion.
He also warned that the issue could threaten communal harmony, public safety, and national stability.
The writ seeks directives restraining the respondents from organizing, promoting, approving, or in any way facilitating the Mongol Shobhajatra during Pohela Boishakh.
