Citibank pays tribute to Runa Laila

As a tribute to renowned singer Runa Laila, Citibank NA honoured the artiste in a ceremony on November 5. The event was held at the Radisson hotel where the singer was presented with a portrait, crest, and a cheque by former Governor of the Bangladesh Bank Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and event organiser Managing Director and Citi Country Officer Rashed Maqsood. 

At the start of the event, noted singer Ferdousi Rahman spoke about the celebrated singer: “Runa Laila did not get to where she is in a day. She worked hard beginning at the foundational level and here she is today. Not everyone is capable of doing that, but she is. Her voice still fills listeners with soul and I pray that she continues the way she has been for many years ahead. She is truly legendary.” 

The singer also expressed her gratitude saying, “I am deeply thankful towards Citibank for this programme. This is even more special because my birthday is later this month on November 17, and this is the best gift I could receive. I would also like to thank my listeners because of whom artistes have the courage to move forward, and I am thankful to God for letting me spend my life singing. My family has been the greatest support for which all this has been possible.”

Popular singer Konal presented a number of Runa Laila's hits at the event. 

Citibank has been honouring prominent singers annually since 2004. Previous recipients of the honours include the late Nilufar Yasmin, Farida Parveen, Feroza Begum, Sanjida Khatun, the late Sohrab Hossain, Ferdousi Rahman, Sabina Yasmeen, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, Subir Nandi, Shahnaz Rahmatullah, Syed Abdul Hadi and Mitali Mukherjee.