Birth anniversary celebration of the national poet

On the second day of the function on March 26, Selima Rahman the state minister of cultural affairs was the chief guest. Mudabbir Hussain, the secretary of the ministry of cultural affairs was the special guest while Kazi Siraj, the Editor of The Dinkal was in the chair.

The main discussants were Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, Poet Asadul Haq and Abdul Mannan Syed, the Executive Director of Nazrul Institute.

The speakers said that to avoid all controversy, we should uphold Nazrul's creativity as a whole and not as a part.

A cultural programme followed the speech. Popular Nazrul singers of the country like Sohrab Hossain, Khalid Hossain, M Rafiqul Islam, MA Mannan, Nashid Kamal, Dr. Afroza Yasmin, Yakub Ali Khan and others presented songs.

The audience appreciated Khalid Hossain's presentation of Phulero Jalshay Nirobo Keno Kobi, Shahjahan Patwari's Ekela Bela Gori and Dr. Afroza Iasmine's Phiriya Jodi Aashey.

Along with the songs the programme also included dance. Kabirul Islam Ratan choreographed a dance composition of the popular song- Shey Chole Gachhe Bole Ki Go. The group presented another dance along with Nazrul's poem Kamal Tune Kamal Kiya Bhai recited by Ratan Gosh.

In any art form, below average presentation creates irritation amongst the audience. In fact, the performance such as the one mentioned above had a negative impact on the audience. Other than a few artistes, the programme was lacklustre. The authority should give special emphasis in the selection of artistes as well as songs connected to important national events.