JUST Hosts ‘Lungi Parade’

Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has organised a distinctive “Lungi Parade” to challenge clothing-related social taboos and discrimination based on social class. Held under the theme “Equality of Cultures,” the event highlighted the value of traditional Bangladeshi attire and promoted respect for cultural diversity and social equality.

The event began at 11 am on Sunday, October 11, with a brief discussion in front of the Michael Madhusudan Dutta Cum Academic Building. It was organised by the university’s Department of English as part of its “Learning Language Through Literature” course.

The parade then proceeded along the university’s main road, passed in front of the Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose Academic Building, circled the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Academic Building and returned to the starting point.

Teachers and students from various departments participated spontaneously, wearing traditional lungis, sarees, fatwas and gamchas. JUST Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan attended as the chief guest. Treasurer Professor Dr Mohammad Faruk Hasan was present as the special guest.

In his address, Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan said, “A person’s true dignity is determined not by clothing, but by humanity, a sense of responsibility and discipline. Clothing carries cultural identity, but it can never be a person’s sole identity.”

He praised the initiative and thanked the organisers and everyone involved. He also expressed hope that the English Department would continue such innovative and commendable activities in the future.

According to the organisers, society often reflects a narrow mindset that treats certain clothing as “elite” while regarding attire worn by ordinary people as inferior. The theme “Equality of Cultures” was chosen to challenge this form of cultural dominance and reduce social divisions based on clothing. The parade’s central message was that no culture or traditional attire is inferior and that all traditions deserve equal respect.

Other attendees included Professor Dr Moriam Jamila, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr Farzana Nasrin, Chair of the Department of English; Dr Md Hamidur Rahman, the university’s proctor; and English Department Associate Professors Dr Munibur Rahman, Dr Farhana Yasmin and Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, along with teachers and students from various departments.

//DBTech/NHN/SMP/MIST//