ATN Bangla turns 9
To celebrate the occasion, the channel aired a cultural programme. The programme started with the live concert on July 14. The show, in front of the channel's office, featured both renowned and upcoming artistes of the country. This was telecast live on the channel.
On July 15, a colourful cultural soiree was organised at the Winter Garden, Hotel Sheraton. The evening featured the crème de la crème of the society: government high ups, renowned politicians, eminent cultural personalities, poets, actors, models, singers, dancers and many more.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The evening started with a welcoming speech by Mahfuzur Rahman, chairman of ATN Bangla. "ATN Bangla was launched at a time when there was no private satellite channel in Bangladesh and West Bengal. However, the beginning was far from easy and we had to struggle considerably to reach the current position. Today we can proudly say that our news programmes have earned a niche for their authenticity. Not only that, the channel is the proud recipient of a prestigious Emmy Award for its special children's programme Amrao Pari in 2004," said an upbeat Mahfuz.
Followed by the speech, the theme song of ATN Bangla was presented by the members of Amra Korbo Joy and the members of Emmy Award winner Amrao Pari. Shamim Ara Nipa and Shibli Mohammed along with their dance troupe Nrityanchal dazzled the audience with their colourful peacock dance. The next item, a Qawwali contest among the crew members and artistes of the ongoing mega serial Lal Neel Beguni, was not up to the mark, despite the participation of many popular TV stars.
Kanak Chapa, Baul Kala Mia, Subir Nandi, Asif and other prominent artistes captivated the audience with their magnificent renditions. But the most interesting part of the show was the skit by Mamunur Rashid. The Actors of the ongoing drama serial The New Shabuj Opera performed the skit. The programme was sponsored by URO Cola, Ispahani Mirzapore Tea and CityCell.