Dhaka University has announced that Sharot Utsab 1432 will be held at Bakultala, under the initiative of the university and supervision of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
The event will be organized in collaboration with the Department of Music, Department of Dance, and Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu).
The decision was finalized on Thursday around 3pm and formally communicated through a press release issued by the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Earlier, the faculty had postponed a previously planned Sharot Utsab organized by cultural group Satyen Sen Shilpigosthi, citing “numerous objections” and “concerns over potential unrest.”
Following allegations linking the group to controversial political affiliations, a meeting was convened on Saturday at the Faculty of Fine Arts office, chaired by the acting dean and attended by relevant stakeholders.
Upon review, the faculty stated that the organizers had “concealed significant information” in their application to host the festival.
“Permission for Sharot Utsab 1432 has been revoked following a review of their controversial activities during a previous regime,” the press release stated.
Acting Dean Azharul Islam Sheikh told Dhaka Tribune that the group failed to disclose details regarding their ideological background and past affiliations.
Reaffirming the faculty’s commitment to inclusive cultural traditions, the statement added: “Since the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University upholds the values of all seasonal celebrations in this country, Sharot Utsab 1432 will proceed under university supervision and in collaboration with its cultural departments.”
On October 9, the Anti-Fascist Writers, Journalists and Artists’ Association submitted a formal complaint to the Faculty of Fine Arts, alleging that the Satyen Sen Shilpigosthi had “close affiliations with the previous fascist regime and a history of controversial activities.”
In protest, posters condemning the organizers were displayed at the entrance of the faculty, sparking intense outrage among students and cultural activists involved in the 2024 mass uprising.
In light of the escalating tensions, the event was promptly postponed to prevent any untoward incident.
