DHAKA, Apr 11: Dhaka University has renamed the ‘Mongol Shobhajatra’, a traditional procession marking the beginning of Pohela Boishakh or the Bengali New Year, as ‘Borsho Boron Anondo Shobhajatra’, under pressure from the radical Islamic group – Hefazat-e-Islam.
The group opposed the name, saying that ‘Mongol Shobhajatra’ is a “Hindu ritual”.
In a statement yesterday, the outfit’s leaders demanded that the name be replaced with ‘Anondo Shobhajatra’, arguing that the term “Mongol” carries religious connotations inconsistent with Islamic practices, according to the Business Standard BD.
Hefazat criticised what they called “secular cultural fascism aimed at erasing Muslim cultural heritage and identity”.
They further alleged that the Mongol Shobhajatra is “flooded with idols and imagery of Hindu deities and animals”, which they argue is unacceptable in a secular setup.
“Secularists never object to this, but are quick to target Islamic symbols under the pretext of neutrality,” the statement read. “In the name of ancient tradition, they have always acted as lobbyists for Mongol Shobhajatra.”
Long celebrated as a symbol of unity, peace, and resistance against oppression, the procession has been recognised by the UNESCO in 2016 as an intangible cultural heritage. As such, the Mongol Shobhajatra in Bangladesh has been a secular and inclusive tradition since its inception in 1989 by students and teachers of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
The Islamic organisation however called the name a “historical misrepresentation”, and wrote a letter to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to formally write to UNESCO, demanding a review and correction of the said “misrepresentation”.
Caving into pressure posed by the radical group, the Dhaka University’s Faculty of Arts changed the name, saying that they haven’t “changed” so much as “restored” the original name of the festival.
(UNI)
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