Sat Apr 12 15:56:35 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh: Effigy Resembling Ousted PM Hasina Burned Before New Year’s Celebration
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – An effigy depicting a woman resembling ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was burned at Dhaka University on Saturday, April 12, 2025, ahead of the Bengali New Year celebrations. The effigy, titled “Face of Fascism,” was part of the annual Pohela Boishakh march organized by the university’s fine arts department since 1989 and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The cane-and-paper structure, characterized by a toothy grin, four horns, and a large nose, was set ablaze by unidentified individuals, according to Mohammed Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the university’s fine arts faculty. A police investigation has been launched.
Bangladesh’s cultural affairs adviser, Mostofa Sarwar Faruqui, however, blamed supporters of Hasina, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. A nearby dove representing peace was also damaged in the fire. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, according to fire service spokesperson Shahjahan Sikder.
Hasina, currently in exile in India, is wanted in Bangladesh on charges of crimes against humanity related to the deaths of hundreds of protesters during the events that led to her ouster last August. She has refused extradition requests.
First Piper 