Bangladesh has recently made headlines for their controversial decision to change their iconic Bengali New Year procession from “Mangal Shobhajatra” to “Borsho Boron Ananda Shobhajatra”, sparking widespread dissent within their nation and highlighting deep cultural and political divisions within it. For further coverage see Threads/Dhaka Tribune/Prothomalo (each with seven articles). UNESCO recognized this parade, founded as an intangible cultural heritage since 1989 as a student-led demonstration against military dictatorship, as an intangible cultural heritage in 2016. Since then, its purpose has grown into one of secularism and unity, featuring vibrant floats with symbols representing peace, courage and resistance – these aspects being highlighted by Al Jazeera +3 as well. Organisers of the renaming assert that “Mangal,” meaning “auspicious”, had become associated with previous regime’s oppressive policies and thus associated with joy and inclusivity of this event. Critics maintain that changing its name would diminish historical significance and dilute message of resistance against authoritarianism. Al Jazeera +4 * Dhaka Tribune | Daily Star. Student organizations such as the Bangladesh Students’ Union have fiercely protested this change, accusing the interim government of caving to fundamentalist pressures and wiping out part of Bangladesh’s cultural identity. Furthermore, students say they were left out of decision-making processes leading to boycotts and protests from students themselves. Controversy swirled after an arson attack on April 12 that destroyed symbolic artworks intended for the parade – including one with an image depicting “fascism”- including symbolic artworks labeled with its face – including one designated “face of fascism.” Many saw this act as an attempt by authorities to suppress dissident voices and restrict artistic expression. Dhaka Tribune + Arab News Even after facing fierce opposition from local leaders and groups, the parade moved forward on April 14 under its new name with themes commemorating the 2024 student uprising that eventually led to Sheikh Hasina being ousted as Prime Minister. The procession featured effigies and symbols reflecting recent political events as a means to reflect public demand for change and reflect recent political happenings in Bangladesh. Arab News/ Al Jazeera reported. As Bangladesh navigates its post-Hasina period, debate over renaming of a parade highlights an ongoing tension between maintaining cultural traditions and meeting contemporary political realities. This dialogue could ultimately shape Bangladesh’s identity and approach to cultural heritage in years to come.
