Chittagong University campus came alive with lively festivities as students and faculty celebrated Bengali New Year 1433 under the theme “Come to the festival of life, awaken in new joy.” A colorful Boishakhi procession, featuring eco-friendly artistic motifs, marked the highlight of the day.
The event began at 10:30 AM on Tuesday with the release of balloons by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan. Shortly after, at 10:40 AM, the procession started from Saran Chattar (Zero Point) and concluded at Jarul Tala, drawing participation from a large number of students, teachers, and staff.
This year’s procession stood out for its three main motifs—a bird, a horse, and a fish—all crafted from biodegradable materials. Students and artists from the Institute of Fine Arts designed these using bamboo, cane, wood, paper, and natural colors.
According to organizers, the bird symbolized peace, the horse represented courage and valor, and the fish reflected the traditional Bengali identity of “rice and fish.”
In his inaugural speech, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of cultural expansion in a democratic Bangladesh, expressing hopes for building a research-oriented and science-based university.
Later in the day, State Minister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, representing the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and the Ministry of Land, joined the event as chief guest. He praised the university’s initiative and discussed ongoing challenges and potential solutions for the institution. Specifically the ‘Shuttle train’.
The procession also included the Pro-Vice Chancellors (Education and Administration), deans, faculty members, officials, and a large number of enthusiastic students.
Following the procession, a discussion session was held at Jarul Tala, which was followed by day-long cultural performances and traditional rural games. Activities included puppet shows, kabaddi, boli khela, and bauchhi games. A Boishakhi fair, along with a two-day entrepreneurship fair and job fair organized by the student union, added further excitement among participants.
To ensure safety, strict security measures were implemented across the campus. Around 50 police officers, 40 BNCC members, and 10 Rover Scouts were deployed throughout the day.
From morning till evening, the entire campus was immersed in festivity—filled with colors, music, and joy—as students and organizers warmly welcomed the Bengali New Year.
By Shakawat Hossain Sakib
