Two symbolic motifs prepared for the Bengali New Year celebrations at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Dhaka University were damaged in a fire early Saturday morning (April 12).

One of the installations depicted the face of fascism, which was completely destroyed, while the other—a peace dove—was partially damaged.

The structures caught fire at the spot where they were being constructed on the faculty premises.

During a visit to the site later in the morning, the charred remnants of the motifs were visible.

A general diary (GD) has been filed with Shahbagh Police Station on behalf of the university authorities.

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khalid Mansur said the fire broke out between 4:30am and 5:45am. 

“Police visited the scene along with the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor of Dhaka University,” he said, adding that a police team is investigating the incident. “Details will be known once the investigation is complete.”

Fire Service Headquarters media officer Shajahan Sikder said two units responded to the fire. 

“We received the call at 5:05am, reached the spot within 5–10 minutes, and brought the fire under control by 5:14am,” he said. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be known following an investigation.

BDST: 1505 HRS, APR 12, 2025
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