Dhaka [Bangladesh], April 6 (ANI): A petition seeking to ban the ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ procession during Pahela Baishakh has been filed in the High Court, reigniting debate over the UNESCO-recognised cultural event, BD News 24 reported.
Supreme Court lawyer Mahmudul Hassan lodged the petition, asking for a permanent prohibition of the procession that marks the Bengali New Year. He argued the decades-old practice is “artificial” and “contrary to religious faith,” alleging it undermines communal harmony, public safety and national stability by offending majority religious sentiments.
The petition names as respondents the secretaries of the ministries of culture, religion and home affairs, the Dhaka deputy commissioner, the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University and the dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Hassan contended the procession is not an ancient Bengali custom but a modern initiative started in 1989 as “Anondo Shobhajatra.” He said the parade’s large replicas of birds, fish and animals—meant to invoke “Mangal” (well-being)—conflict with Islamic beliefs, which hold that blessings should be sought only from God.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the interim administration under Muhammad Yunus had reportedly removed the word “Mangal” from the procession’s name. For the upcoming 1433 Bengali New Year, Dhaka University announced on March 30 the event would be held as “Anondo Shobhajatra.”
The procession received international recognition in 2016 when UNESCO added it to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recent name-related controversy drew social media backlash and prompted Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury to respond, saying there was “no need” to change the name during the interim, and later indicating this year’s official title would be “Baishakhi Shobhajatra.”
The petitioner is requesting a court order to bar authorities from organising, approving or promoting the procession in any form, BD News 24 reported. (ANI)
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