The artists of the Faculty of Fine Art at the University of Dhaka have taken on the responsibility of recreating the main attraction of the New Year's celebration procession, the "Portrait of Autocracy."
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan confirmed that the artists have been entrusted with the task of recreating the portrait.
He made this statement during a visit to the procession preparation site at the Faculty of Fine Art on Saturday (April 12) night.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz said, "We took an initiative, but it faced obstacles. Obstacles and conspiracies are common in such endeavors.
However, relying on people's hard work and faith in God, we will overcome these conspiracies and move forward, defying our enemies. We seek everyone's cooperation in this work. We are now fulfilling a national responsibility, and our only wish is for everyone to stand by us."
On-site observations revealed that the necessary materials for creating the portrait have already arrived at the Faculty of Fine Art.
Artists are working diligently to create the desired motif as quickly as possible. They are also experimenting with whether the portrait can be made using cork sheets.
When asked about this, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmad said, "A portrait that took a month to create cannot be made in a single day. However, time will tell how much and how the artists can do. We have completely entrusted the matter to the artists. They are holding repeated meetings and planning. They know best what to do."
Earlier, at 9:30 PM, Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, Advisor to the Interim Government's Ministry of Cultural Affairs, visited the Faculty of Fine Art to observe the progress of the procession.
He said, "Although there was an attempt to break the artists' morale by destroying the fascist's portrait, I have seen that their spirit has doubled. I hope the people of the country will witness an extraordinary procession. I urge everyone to participate in this event."
It is worth noting that the "Fascist's Portrait" created for the Pohela Boishakh celebration procession from Dhaka University's (DU) Faculty of Fine Art was burned in a fire set by miscreants.
The university authorities have filed a case at Shahbagh Police Station, naming unknown individuals as accused. The university has also formed a five-member investigation committee.
