Charukola Artists Recreate Burned 'Fascist' Effigy

At Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola), artists are working relentlessly to reconstruct the ‘fascist effigy’ destroyed in an arson attack, just days before the Pahela Baishakh celebrations of Bengali New Year 1432.

The effigy, which was set to be the centrepiece of this year’s Ananda Shobhajatra (festive procession), was torched in a late-night act of vandalism.

Undeterred, the artists, under guidance from university authorities, sprang into action to rebuild the structure overnight. Using makeshift materials like corrugated sheets, they are determined to complete the effigy in time for the celebrations.

A visit to Charukola found the artists fully engrossed in their work, racing against time. They shared that the original creation had taken nearly a month to complete, making the task of replication within hours a daunting challenge.

“This artwork was the result of immense dedication,” said one of the artists. “Burning it is an insult to both our art and the festival's spirit. We demand strict action against those responsible.”

University officials confirmed that the artists had resumed work from early morning and expressed full confidence in their commitment to uphold the festival’s cultural significance.

This year’s Shobhajatra is rich with symbolism, featuring motifs like hilsa fish, tigers, palanquins, birds, and the playful inclusion of ‘Mughdho’s water bottle’—all blending satire with tradition. The reconstructed effigy remains a powerful centrepiece, representing defiance against authoritarianism and a tribute to resilience through art.

The investigation into the attack is ongoing.