Cultural programmes for the Saarc summit

Shakila Zafar(left), Sabina Yasmin(right)

On November 9, at Hotel Lake Shore, Shahadat Hossain Khan presented a sarod recital in honour of the dignitaries from Saarc countries.

"Renowned singers Runa Laila and Shakila Zafar will present songs at Hotel Sonargaon Pan Pacific on November 10. Moreover, Manipuri dance choreographed by Sharmila Bandyopadhyay is also included in the evening," continues Zinnat Barkatullah, the director, Department of Production. "The major attractions are on November 12 and 13," she adds.

The cultural programme on November 12 at Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre will begin with a presentation of the Saarc theme song, rendered by renowned singer Sabina Yasmin. M Rafiquzzaman is the lyricist, while Ali Akbar Rupu is the composer of the Saarc theme song. Performers with National flags and flowers of the Saarc countries will dance with the theme song.

Other highlights, says Zinnat, are, "Two dance pieces, one composed by Sharmila Bandyo-padhyaya and another by Kabirul Islam Ratan. Moreover, Shakila Zafar, Sabina Yasmin and Mahmuduzzaman Babu will render songs at the event. On November 13, folk dances and songs will be presented. Four dance pieces to be performed are choreographed by Sharmila Bandopadhyaya, Deepa Khandokar, Minu Haque and Shafiqur Rahman. Singer Baby Nazneen will render songs as well. Moreover, an orchestra will be presented by the instrumentalists of BSA."

Among other attractions of the Saarc cultural programmes are colourful presentations of the indigenous heritage, said Ahmed Nazir.