Poet Abu Zafar Obaidullah remembered

Iffat Ara Dewan performing a song, (Right) Poet Asad Chowdhury speaks at the occasion

Poet Asad Chowdhury reminisced on his acquaintance with Obaidullah. According to Chowdhury, "Abu Zafar Obaidullah stands out among the poets of our country for his originality. Poetry is thought of as 'an affair of details through lyrical composition'. Obaidullah was a poet who didn't believe in overuse of words. He was completely in control of his 'words'. Through subtle references he used to make immense impact. His poetry spoke of our masses, the oppressed rural folks and nature. 'Ma', or the image of 'mother' is present in many of his notable poems."

Asad Chowdhury added, "The trend of highlighting our agro-based civilisation makes his poetry remarkable. He was a nature-lover at heart; references of different plants, trees and herbs are usual features in his poetry."

Iffat Ara Dewan then presented adhunik songs from the '40s, Tumi chirodin jodi nahi rohibey, Jodi bhuley jao morey. The artiste also rendered a Nazrul song Shanjher pakhira phirilo kulaye, a composition by Abdul Ahad, Tumi aami dui teer and a song of Atul Prasad, Ami bandhinu tomar teer-e toroni amar.

Bulbul Islam rendered Gobheer rojoni namilo hridoye, Tomar dwaar-e kano ashi and Ami shuduur-er piyashi.

Poet Belal Chowdhury recalled how Abu Zafar Obaidullah, popularly known as 'Sentu bhai' to him and his peers, was actively involved in launching a convention of poets titled 'Padabali'. Belal Chowdhury suggested that an organisation should be dedicated to focus on Obaidullah's life and works. The organisation can also provide awards to emerging poets in recognition of their talent or sponsor publications.

The programme ended with recitations of Abu Zafar Obaidullah's poems by eminent cultural personality Asaduzzaman Noor( MP).

A recipient of 'Ekushey Padok', Abu Zafar Obaidullah's notable works include Shaat Norir Haar, Kokhono Rong Kokhono Shuur, Komol-er Chokh, Ami Kingbodontr Kotha Bolchhi, Shohishnu Protikkhai, Brishti Ebong Shahoshi Purush-er Jonyo Prarthona and more.

Obaidullah's career was impressive. As a Secretary for Agriculture and a technocrat Minister for Agriculture, he established the present infrastructure of the agriculture sector of our country. He had also served as the Director of the Asia-Pacific region for FAO and was appointed the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United States of America.