Bulbul: Monthly programme of Nazrul songs

Ferdausi Rahman -- renowned artiste and president of NSSP, Latifa Chowdhury -- vice president of the organisation, Abdul Hye Sikdar -- executive director of Nazrul Institute, seasoned Nazrul artistes Khalid Hossain, Shaheen Samad and Nashid Kamal were present at the programme.

The programme started with artiste Nashid Kamal briefly going over the backgrounds and accomplishments of Rowshan Ara Mustafiz and Fatema Tuz Zohra.

Khalid Hossain said, "I've been following Rowshan Ara's singing career for over 40 years now. Skilled in Indian classical music and Nazrul songs, Rowshan has established herself as one of the A-listed singers of our country. Over the course of four decades, her voice hasn't lost even a fraction of the appeal.

"Fatema has the basic quality that makes for a true artiste -- passion for her craft. Be it ghazal, jhumur or devotional songs of Nazrul or songs of Tagore, Atul Prasad, DL Roy, Rajnikant or even adhunik songs, Fatema has carved a niche for herself. She is also a poet and has had books published."

Abdul Hye Sikdar said, "Nazrul Institute is pleased to be a part of this occasion celebrating the accomplishments of two leading Nazrul artistes of the country who have received Ekushey Podok, highest state honour."

"Nazrul Institute belongs to every Nazrul devotee. Unfortuna-tely with the funds allocated by the government, the institute can barely sustain. We cannot accommodate quality programmes often due to lack of sufficient funds. The institute and its auditorium need some major renovations as well. I'd request all the artistes to work along with us to improve the conditions of the institute and its programmes."

Rawshan Ara Mustafiz said in her speech, "I feel elated that I've received the Ekushey Podok, no doubt. But I do feel an artiste should receive such awards in her 'prime time'. That encourages one to strive harder in the quest for one's creative best."

Fatema Tuz Zohra said, "It feels great to be honoured by eminent artistes whom I've always looked up to and my peers. The honour bestowed upon me by the state belongs to all my fellow Nazrul artistes."

About the state of affairs of Nazrul Institute, Ferdausi Rahman said, "The conditions of the institute need to be improved. Many complain about the venue. Perhaps the institute can be moved to a more suitable location. If it requires us, artistes, to take to the streets to fight for the cause, I for one will be in the front line."

Musical performances by members of the NSSP, Shireen Akhter Chondona and SD Sumon followed. Rowshan Ara Mustafiz and Fatema Tuz Zohra also performed on the occasion.