Cultural fiesta at Liberation War Museum

An emotionally charged Asaduzzaman Noor recites from Shamsur Rahman's poems Left Mafidul Haque (L) with the two grand daughters (C) of poet Shamsur Rahman at the book launch Right. PHOTO: STAR

The day's programme began with a welcome speech by Mafidul Haque, a trustee of the museum. Mafidul in his speech said that we should salvage the undiscovered documents of the Liberation War to acquaint the nation with the history of the War. He sought help from everybody in unearthing the facts.

After his speech, a book titled Pandulipi 1971 was launched. Pandulipi 1971 is the facsimile edition of the manuscript of the poems written by poet Shamsur Rahman during November 1970 to February 1971 and again from June to November 1971. The book was launched by Nayana and Deepita, two grand daughters of the poet.

The frustration as well as the enthusiasm of the poet during the Liberation War have been portrayed in the poems.

Later, renowned actor-recitor Asaduzzaman Noor recited three poems by Shamsur Rahman--- Ekhane daroja chhilo, Bandi shibir theke and Samson. Noor's powerful voice modulation captivated the audience.

The last attraction of the evening was a musical soiree presented by winners of the recently held Bengal Bikash talent hunt programme. Adrita Anwar, Shimu Rani De, Champa Banik, BM Nurul Anwar, Anindita Chowdhury, Halima Parveen and Shafiul Alam Raja rendered Tagore song, Nazrul song, folk song and Teen Kabir Gaan in the programme.

However, people expected to listen to patriotic songs from the artistes on Victory Day celebrations.