Bengal Bikash

Organisers of Bengal Bikash are seen at a press conference held in Sylhet recently

The Director of the Foundation Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Shubir Chowdhury, member of Board of Directors of Bengal Bikash, Assistant Manager of Bengal Foundation Mahbub Alam Pollob, Executive Editor of Charbela Chardik Abul Hasnat, Tagore singer Bulbul Islam and Nazrul singer Khairul Anam Shakil were present at the press conference.

The publicity of this countrywide talent hunt programme is on full swing through newspaper advertisements, television promotional, announcement on radio, posters and leaflets. The Foundation has organised press conferences in 15 different districts and divisional cities in order to invite participants in the talent hunt.

Luva Nahid Chowdhury said, "We have received about 1,000 audio-cassettes that include 5,000 songs, from different parts of the country. To ensure a fair and successful talent hunt, we have extended the deadline. As judges, we have emphasised on the talent and voice. Our only objective is to discover musical talents, not merely those who intend to participate for the sake of participation." And that is why the rules of the competition are very complex, she says.

The talent hunt has five different categories that include Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, folk music, songs of three poets (Atul Prashad, DL Roy and Rajanikanto) and modern songs. According to Khairul Anam Shakil, "The main criterion of the selection is talent, not glamour and that is why the contestants are asked to send five songs without instrumental backup recorded in an audio-cassette."