Two symbolic sculptures created for the Bengali New Year's Ananda Shobhajatra at the University of Dhaka's Faculty of Fine Arts were destroyed in a fire early this morning. The installations included a "Face of Fascism" and a "Dove of Peace."
A visit to the site on Saturday morning revealed the aftermath of the fire. The blaze reportedly broke out in the area where the motifs were being constructed, severely damaging both pieces.
Professor Azharul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, confirmed the incident, saying, "The fire occurred early in the morning. Both the fascist face and the peace dove motifs were burned."
University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed also stated that the fire is believed to have started around dawn.
In a press release issued this morning, the Faculty of Fine Arts expressed sorrow over the incident and alleged that unknown individuals deliberately set fire to the "Face of Fascism" installation.
A general diary (GD) has been filed at Shahbagh Police Station, and the university has announced plans to form an investigation committee to look into the matter.
This year's procession carried the theme: "New Year's Harmony, End of Fascism." The central piece was a towering 20-foot-tall sculpture titled the "Face of Fascism." Crafted from bamboo and cane, it featured a fierce female face with four sharp horns, a gaping mouth, an oversized nose, and haunting eyes. Many observers interpreted the figure as a symbolic representation of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
