The University of Dhaka is a major driver of public arts and heritage activity in Dhaka, staging numerous public performances, exhibitions and cultural processions each year. The University actively contributes to the promotion, preservation, and dissemination of Bangladesh’s rich cultural and artistic heritage through diverse annual events and institutional initiatives.Through institutional ensembles, faculty and student exhibitions and city-scale cultural events the University contributes consistently to the local arts ecology, preserves cultural heritage and provides broad public access to arts and performances.Each year, the University organizes and hosts a range of traditional and cultural festivals including:
- Mangal Shobhajatra (UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage procession)
- BasantaUtsab (Spring Festival)
- Chaitra Sankranti and Barshamangal (Seasonal) celebrations
- International Mother Language Day Event central coordination.
- Amar Ekushey Book Fair (Boimela) participation
- Qawwali performances at TSC and central venues
- Sakrain Festival (Old Dhaka’s heritage celebration)
- Dhaka University Day and Convocation cultural programmes etc.
The Department of Music, Department of Dance, and Department of Theatre & Performance Studies regularly arrange public performances, musical shows, dance recitals and theatrical productions that celebrate the nation’s art, heritage, and history.
Similarly, the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukala) plays a vital role through its continuous exhibitions at Zainul Gallery and campus-wide art installations, including the Mangal Shobhajatra carnival and Fine Arts exhibitions.
The University is also home to numerous student organizations—theatre troupes, recitation groups, mime performers, music ensembles, environmental and social organizations—that organize public shows and workshops, keeping Bangladesh’s performing arts alive.
Venues such as the TSC Auditorium, Zainul Gallery,Natmondol and various open cultural spaces within the campus remain open to the public and frequently host these events.
Representative 2024 activities and public contributions
- Mangal Shobhajatra / PahelaBaishakh (14 April 2024): The annual Bengali New Year procession organised from the Fine Arts precinct remains one of the country’s largest public cultural processions, which treated as the intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. https://en.somoynews.tv/news/2024-04-13/du-prepares-for-mongol-shobhajatra, https://www.bssnews.net/news/182828, https://du.ac.bd/du_post_details/post/20986
- Amar Ekushey / International Mother Language Day events (February 2024):The University conducts public commemorations, cultural programmes and book fair participation during the month of February; the campus is an active site for recitals, memorial programmes and public readings.https://www.observerbd.com/news/54835, https://www.du.ac.bd/webPost/187/20690
- Annual Sculpture & Fine Arts Exhibitions (Zainul Gallery / Sculpture Dept.) — 2024: The Sculpture Department’s week-long annual exhibition (Zainul Gallery) showcased student and faculty sculpture works in 2024, open to the public. These institutional exhibitions are recurring public events that display contemporary and heritage art. https://www.newagebd.net/post/photography-art-design/280987/du-sculpture-students-7-day-exhibition-begins,
- TSC concerts and public musical gatherings (2024): Public concerts and musical events are regularly held at the Teacher-Student Centre auditorium and lawns (TSC), bringing together university ensembles, bands and community audiences.
- Central Theatre Festival & Theatre performances (2024): The University’s theatre community organises annual theatre festivals and regular stage performances; the 18th Annual Central Theatre Festival and other theatre events were staged in 2024, open to the public.https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/theatre-arts/news/dus-annual-theatre-festival-honour-islam-uddin-palakar-natyajon-shommanona-2024-3766741
- Departmental symposiums and public dance forums (Department of Dance, 11–13 July 2024): The Department of Dance hosted an international symposium in July 2024, creating public performance and outreach opportunities for traditional and contemporary dance.
Through its institutional departments and cultural groups, the University of Dhaka significantly contributes to preserving and enriching the arts and cultural heritage of Bangladesh. These initiatives not only strengthen national identity but also provide open access for the public to engage with creative expressions that reflect the country’s traditions, values, and diversity.
