Dhaka, March 27 -- Students of the 26th batch of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University have announced their decision to boycott this year's Pahela Baishakh celebrations.

Describing the annual festivity as "nepotistic and politically motivated at a time of change in the country," the students issued a media statement on Wednesday disavowing the official celebrations, including the Mangal Shobhajatra procession.

"This year's Baishakh is a politically motivated Baishakh," the statement declared.

"We are not supporting the formalities and Baishakh procession organised by the teachers due to the obsequious attitude of those involved in the arrangement."

Azharul Islam Chanchal, the dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, dismissed the boyc...