The Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organized a Nobanno Utshab at Dhaka University featuring stick fighting, dance, music, and folk songs.
The “Nobanno Utshab 1432” was held on Thursday afternoon at the Payra Chattar of the university’s Teacher-Student Center (TSC).
The event began with the national anthem.
Rakibul Islam Rakib, central president of the Chhatra Dal, delivered the opening speech. Following his remarks, the program started with a stick-fighting performance by the Bir Shreshtha Nur Mohammad Stick Fighting and Cultural Club.
Speaking about the event, Dhaka University Treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said many of the country’s traditions are gradually fading. He emphasized that such events are vital for preserving these traditions and keeping them alive in public memory.
Praising Chhatra Dal for organizing the festival, he added: “The more we hold such events, the more our native heritage and cultural spirit will remain alive within us.”
In his opening remarks, Rakibul Islam Rakib noted, “In the face of cultural aggression and recent realities, there is a deliberate attempt to suppress indigenous culture—especially music and other cultural elements connected to youth.” He said everyone must step forward to promote healthy indigenous cultural practices, moving beyond past negative experiences.
Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said: “It wasn’t just that an autocratic government held state power for 17 years—this wasn’t merely political. Pressure was exerted on us socially and economically as well.”
He alleged that over the past 17 years, despite major national events, local artists were “systematically undervalued.”
“Artists were brought from neighboring countries to perform at national programs, while billions of our money flowed abroad,” he said.
He further added: “We must spread Bengal’s thousand-year-old cultural heritage across every campus in the country. Those who disrespected and neglected our culture for the past 17 years must be held accountable.”
The event was hosted by Anisur Rahman Khandakar Anik, vice president of Chhatra Dal’s Dhaka University unit.
The festival continued until 10pm, with an evening program featuring a recitation titled "The Farmer’s Sorrow" along with cultural performances including dance and music.