Marking the Martyr’s Day and the International Mother Language Day, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy initiated a colourful cultural programme on February 21 at their open air premises.
However, the event began with a discussoin session. Dr Hasan Mahmud, former minister and promotion secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, Professor Rafiqul Islam and poet Nirmalendu Goon, as well as many other cultural personalities attended the programme. Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of BSA, presided over the session.
Chief Guest Dr Hasan Mahmud said in his speech that Bangla should be introduced in every sphere of our lives. Being a traditionalist, he further stated that the aggressive invasion of different cultures and languages should be blocked immediately. He also hopes that the people of Bangladesh would make way for the future generation to carry the flag of the Bangalee culture.
The cultural session of the programme started with a group rendition of Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano, a song which is considered as the most influential song representing the Bangla Language Movement in 1952. What held the audience captivated was the fact that while local cultural organisation Bohnishikha participated from Bangladesh, several international representatives from Japan, China, the Philippines, Russia and Sicily also took part in the melodious and emotional song.
The cultural program marched ahead with a recitation of Poet Kamal Chaudhury. Then, popular local singers Shakila Zafar and Ferdous Ara mesmerised the audience with their heady voices and contextual songs about their language and country.
The international representatives created an ambience with an international flavour. Artists from Japan performed an instrumental and a duet song. A performer from China played a traditional Chinese instrument named Guzheng. The artists from Russia performed a traditional Russian dance and a song, artists from Sicily presented a group
song, whilst artists from the Philippines staged a dance and a duet song.
Performers from Bangladeshi indigenous groups, including Chakma and Marma, took part in the programme. Koel Chakma and Dolypru Marma sang two popular Bangla songs in Chakma and Marma languages. Dance troupe Nrittanandan, Dhriti Norttonalay and Spondon presented some of their best dance pieces to songs relating to the country and its language. A truly praise worthy performer Kiran Chandra Roy took to the stage next and awed the audience with his rendition of folk and Baul songs.
