Historical Walk
(Dhaka University Campus)

An extravagant feast of monuments and sculptures, Dhaka’s grandest jewel Dhaka University campus can seem overwhelming to the weekend visitor. In February, the Dhaka University campus can be the best place for you to unwind.

For the month of February, Shaheed Minar, a monument built to commemorate the martyrs of the Language Movement of 1952, can be the deal place to begin your tour with. Everyday invariably a number of cultural programs like dance and poetry recitation are held here under the banner of Shommilito Sanskritik Jote. From choir-songs to patriotic songs, from baul performance to jatra; where else on earth will you be able to enjoy such veritable jet of music! Street theatre, an integral component of the February festivities, will tell you all that you want to know by re-creating historical events, delineating believable characters and situations, and parodying politics. A number of small street theatre groups participate (alongside heavyweight theatre groups like Nagorik, Podatik, Dhaka Theatre etc.) in all these performances that are held in the Sufia Kamal Smrity Milonayoton (named after the beloved poet Sufia Kamal) at Public Library.

A gala of our cultural nuances could be viewed in front of Soparjito Swadhinota. Sculpted by Shamim Shikdar this monument narrates the history from 52 to 71. The magnificent fresco at the altar talks about the phases of 1971 championing the sacrifices of the subaltern.

Nat Mondol, behind the Central Library of Dhaka University, can be another place to check out. This auditorium can accommodate more than three hundred people comfortably holding a range of cultural activities. And beside Raju Bhashkorjo, the emblem of unforgettable movements, you could while away the whole evening watching the plays and the brilliant thespians in action.

However, many other things could be equally exhilarating. The most important event in February is the Book Fair held at the Bangla Academy Campus. Fresh books from press, celebrity writers explaining their ideas to fans, the titles of the best-sellers being announced and once in a life time chance to take a photo with your favorite writer or asking him to give you an autograph; all these opportunities would go out of your hand if you don’t go to the book fair. When you go out of the fair, you can take a walk towards TSC. A photography exhibition could be seen documenting the happenings of 52 or you could see poets reading from their work in front of the Central Library.

From here, take a walk down the road that goes towards Shahbagh. The Bokultala of Fine arts faculty can be your next destination. A beautiful soiree of music can be heard. Added to that you could meet the artists and can have a quick peek at the Zainul Abedin arts gallery. The most interesting part is that all these performances will cost you nothing. Dhaka University campus is a free entry zone.

Written by: Saiful Islam
Photographs: Sohel Rana Ripon