Fire at Charukola: Faruqi blames Sheikh Hasina supporters but DU administration uncertain

DU Correspondent

While Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi has blamed supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the fire that burned two motifs prepared for the Mongol Shobhajatra at the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Dhaka University administration remains “uncertain” about who is responsible or how it happened. On Saturday, April 12, Faruqi made these remarks in a Facebook status. Meanwhile, DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, who visited the scene, stated that it is still unclear how the incident occurred.

However, organizers have yet to identify how the fire started or who set it between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM. Allegations have surfaced that negligence by the university’s proctorial team, responsible for security, led to the incident. Meanwhile, a section of students claimed that those working overnight had smoked cannabis or cigarettes, and the fire originated from there, burning the structures of the motifs. Those in charge have denied these allegations.

The cultural advisor said, “Hasina’s accomplices burned the face of fascism at the Fine Arts campus last dawn. Whoever showed this audacity – whether Soft Awami League or Awami B-Team – must face the law immediately.” Addressing those trying to stop the procession on behalf of Awami League, he said, “We will not only bring them under the law but also ensure this year’s procession becomes even more significant.” Claiming that Sheikh Hasina’s supporters do not want festivals in Bangladesh, he said, “We are now more determined and will participate in greater numbers. Many from the July movement had said this year’s procession would be the most inclusive and different. It would have been better not to include the grotesque face of fascism here. We were considering all opinions and seeking the university administration’s views.” However, after yesterday’s incident, Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi commented that the presence of this “monster” has become even more inevitable.

DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed stated that those responsible for the incident have not yet been identified. “We suspect the fire started between 4:45 AM and 5:00 AM, but it’s still unclear how it happened,” he said. On-site observations revealed that the fire burned the satirical effigy’s structure and the dove of peace motif. The face of the effigy was completely burned, while half of the peace dove motif was damaged. A large portion of the cloth-covered section was also reduced to ashes. The incident, which occurred inside the campus walls late at night, has raised questions about security. Sources indicate that no members of the university’s proctorial team were present at night for security. Although police were stationed, they remained outside the gate, raising further concerns.

Several proctorial team members, unwilling to be named, said, “Only four of us were on duty at night, but no one was here. We left around 8:00 PM. Police were stationed at the gate.” Intelligence sources revealed that organizers had been warned beforehand about potential disruptions targeting the Fine Arts procession. Despite this, strong security measures were allegedly not implemented. Regarding security, the procession’s organizing committee convener and Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Professor Azharul Islam Sheikh, said, “Everything will be known. We are trying to review the footage. Only after that can we comment.”

However, DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed claimed two proctorial team members were on duty. “The fire occurred between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. During this time, the two on-duty proctorial team members had gone for prayers. Additionally, the guard was asleep. Thus, it’s still unclear how the fire started,” he said. He added, “We suspect someone may have set the fire intentionally – or maybe not. There were CCTV cameras at the scene, but we haven’t been able to access the footage yet due to a forgotten password. Efforts are underway to retrieve it through alternative means.”

Many have also pointed fingers at radical anti-idol groups or factions attempting sabotage. Political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, and Hefazat-e-Islam have historically opposed Mongol Shobhajatra and its motifs. Civil society members believe radical groups may have burned the motifs to stop “idol displays.” They had previously opposed the construction of a 20-foot effigy of slain Shibir activist Abu Saeed in July. A screenshot of an inflammatory post by YouTuber Elias Hossain has gone viral on Facebook, with some claiming he instigated the burning of Sheikh Hasina’s satirical effigy.