Key moments from Mujib Chirantan

Celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence, a ten-day programme, "Mujib Chirantan", was organised at the capital's National Parade Square from March 17 to 26.

The celebrations were aired live on television and social media, every day. The programme was held following health guidelines, as guests from home and abroad joined the celebrations.

A musical production, arranged by Fuad Almuktadir, featured singers Konal, Pantha Kanai, Johan, Sabbir Zaman, Tanjib Sarwar, Kona, Anika, and Tashfee, with choreography by Rachel Priyanka Perris.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the programme, alongside heads of governments, or states, of different countries.  We have compiled some key moments from "Mujib Chirantan".

On the first day, a theatrical production, based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was staged. It started off with the depiction of the dark times following World War I in 1920, when Bangabandhu was born on the 17th of March. During his birth, the Indian subcontinent was met with nothing but injustice, scarcity, and domination, while the citizens cried in fear, hunger and dearth. Starting from Bangabandhu's encounter with former Prime Minister of Bengal Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy to his time in Baker Govt Hostel in Smith Lane, Kolkata, the performance featured it all.

On the first day, a theatrical production, based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was staged.

On the fourth day, Raef Al Hasan Rafa, the man behind AvoidRafa, arranged a musical performance, featuring Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's favourite songs, such as "Jhonjhar Moto Uddam", "Chol Chol Chol", "Takdhum Takdhum Bajai", and "Purbo Digonte Shurjo Utheche". Sakib Chowdhury, Shumi, Sufi, and Rafa and Friends, were a part of the production. The artistes also performed a new song about Bangabandhu and Bangladesh, "Tarunner Alokshikkha", written by Sheikh Rana and composed by Rafa.

Another musical production, arranged by Fuad Almuktadir, featured singers Konal, Pantha Kanai, Johan, Sabbir Zaman, Tanjib Sarwar, Kona, Anika, and Tashfee, with choreography by Rachel Priyanka Perris. The artistes performed songs such as "Tora Shob Joyodhoni Kor", "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi", and "Nao Chariya De", among others. Fuad took to social media to thank all the artistes, stating that he felt blessed to be a part of the event. "Thank you Johan Alamgir and Amzad Hossain for handling everything production related in Bangladesh as I did my share of the work from my home in New Jersey," he further wrote in a Facebook post.

On the seventh day, commemorating Bangabandhu's determination for an equal country with equal opportunities for all, the programme highlighted the glorious achievements of women in Bangladesh over the last 50 years, in every sphere of life. Celebrated singers Elita Karim and Dilshad Nahar Kona paid a tribute to the legendary Ayub Bachchu, with a cover of "Bhalolagar Bhalobashar Tumi Amar Bangladesh", a song by him."Nongor Tolo Tolo" was performed by Fatema Tuz Zohora, Samina Chowdhury, Salma Akbar, Elita and Kona, accompanied by Ghaashphoring Choir. The country wore a festive look throughout the ten days, commemorating the special occasion.

Elita Karim and Dilshad Nahar Kona paid a tribute to the legendary Ayub Bachchu, with a cover of “Bhalolagar Bhalobashar Tumi Amar Bangladesh”, a song by him.

Raef Al Hasan Rafa arranged a musical performance, featuring Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s favourite songs.