Dhaka, April 8 -- Organisers are putting final touches to this year's Mongol Shobhajatra to be held at Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts amid a swirl of controversy and criticism.

Event insiders say the procession will channel the spirit of the 2024 July Uprising, standing in defiance of autocracy.

Yet, in a striking break from tradition, the 26th batch of Fine Arts students-long the heart and soul of the celebration-have stepped back, condemning this year's Pohela Boishakh festivities as "nepotistic and politically motivated amid a moment of national transition".

Their boycott has raised doubts over the event's cohesion and spirit, with many questioning how successful the Shobhajatra can be without their leadership.

Azharul Isl...