DU Art Motifs Burnt: 'Fascism' Effigy and Peace Dove

Two symbolic art installations at Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts, created for the upcoming Bengali New Year celebrations, were destroyed in a fire early Saturday morning. One depicted the face of fascism, while the other represented a dove of peace.

Upon visiting the scene, charred remains of the installations were visible at the site where they were being constructed. According to eyewitness accounts, the fire broke out at the construction area itself.

The effigy of fascism, a towering 20-foot structure crafted from bamboo and cane, was completely gutted. The peace dove motif, meanwhile, suffered partial damage.

University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told media that the fire likely occurred between 4:45 am and 5:00 am. “Our mobile patrol team was away for Fajr prayers at the time. The incident probably happened then,” he said.

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Azharul Islam, also confirmed the incident, stating that both motifs were burnt in the early hours of the day.

This year’s New Year celebrations were planned around themes of resistance, echoing the spirit of the July-August uprising and the rejection of fascism. The "face of fascism" — designed as the centrepiece — featured a grotesque female visage with four horns, a wide-open mouth, a large nose, and bulging, fearful eyes.

Observers noted that the effigy closely resembled ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fuelling speculation about the symbolic target of the artwork.