This year’s Saraswati Puja celebration of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism of Dhaka University, held at Jagannath Hall, features the themes of mob violence and arson attacks on Bangladeshi media houses.

The puja began this morning with the offering of anjali, a floral tribute.

To highlight the violence and arson attacks on the media houses in December, the altar's backdrop has been designed to symbolically represent the burnt Daily Star building.

Anuska Chakrabarty, one of the organisers and a student of the department, said, "Today we worship our goddess for a prosperous academic life, creativity, and inspiration. We always aim to reflect and protest through the themes. Each year, we choose a theme that resonates with the events happening in our society."

"Mob violence is a severe violation of freedom of expression. As students of the journalism department, it is our duty to protest against such acts. Journalism serves the public and spells out the truth. When journalists and media houses face brutal attacks, it is a serious concern for both our society and its future," she added.

According to a press release, 76 puja mandaps have been set up under the supervision of the Jagannath Hall administration.

Confirming the number, Jagannath Hall General Secretary Shudipto Pramanic said, "Seventy-four departments have set up their own stalls, and there are two goddess idols provided by our hall authority. As in every year, we are hosting the largest puja at this venue."