Dhaka South City Corporation marks 416th anniversary with colorful cultural procession

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) marked the 416th anniversary of the city on Friday with a vibrant procession, celebrating the capital’s rich cultural heritage. The event, held under the theme “Hridoye Dhaka-416,” commenced at Jagannath University, where faculty and students joined in the commemorative festivities.
The procession began in front of the Jagannath University administrative building, moving through the university’s main gate and circling Victoria Park. The route continued through Raysaheb Bazar intersection, Tantibazar, the Fulbaria flyover, and Gulistan Zero Point, ultimately concluding at the Nagar Bhaban city office.
Organizers curated the procession to showcase the historical legacy of Dhaka. The parade featured a replica of the city’s historic first steamer, an equestrian team with 40 horses, and a fleet of 10 traditional palanquins. Participants also displayed replicas of iconic food items integral to Old Dhaka, such as Bakarkhani bread and Jilapi. Furthermore, models representing significant landmarks were featured, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, the Central Shaheed Minar, Ahsan Manzil, Dhaka Gate, Lalbagh Fort, Tara Mosque, and various historic churches and temples.
Addressing the participants, Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Rais Uddin described the event as a celebration intended to revitalize the spirit of Dhaka’s residents. He noted that the anniversary program includes a variety of activities, such as a cycling marathon and traditional boat racing, all designed to honor the city’s history.
The procession was attended by DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam, Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman, and a diverse group of stakeholders, including university staff, political organizers, and members of the public.