"After the videos [of setting the motifs on fire] circulated, students from his department and close associates posted on social media confirming his identity. They have provided us some screenshots as well," DU Proctor Prof Saifuddin Ahmed told .

He said they have sent their findings to the police and only they can confirm the identity.

"We are trying to verify whether he is the person who set fire to the motifs. We are on a drive to nab the person," Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masud Alam told this newspaper.

Two motifs created for the Pahela Baishakh celebrations were set ablaze on the premises of DU's Faculty of Fine Arts early yesterday.

According to sources, a fire broke out in the area where the motifs were being constructed. The motif depicting a monstrous face was completely destroyed, while the dove of peace was partially damaged.

Later, the fine arts faculty issued a notification saying that a general diary has been filed with Shahbagh Police Station regarding the incident.

A five-member investigation committee has been formed to probe the incident, with Professor Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts, as its convener.

The other members include Professor Mohammad Ikramul Haque, dean of the Faculty of Law; Professor Mosaddeq Hossain Kamal, director of the ICT Cell; and assistant proctor Professor AKM Nur Alam Siddiqui.

Assistant Proctor Md Israfil Prang will serve as the member-secretary of the committee.

This year's theme, "Symphony of the New Year, End of Fascism," was designed to capture the spirit of the July–August mass uprising.

The central motif for the celebration was titled "Face of Fascism." Standing 20 feet tall, it featured a woman's face with bared teeth, crafted from bamboo and cane. The face was marked by four upright horns, an open mouth, a prominent nose, and two fearful eyes. Many interpreted it as a caricature of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.