Solo recitation by Rafiqul Islam

Rafiq, with his stentorian voice, began the programme with the recitation of the devotional poem Antoro mamo Bikoshito Karo. The verse is derived from Tagore's Nobel prize winning book Geetanjali. Later, he recited 24 other poems by various poets, including Jibonando Das, Jasimuddin, Shukanto Bhattacharya, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Shamsur Rahman, Nirmalendu Goon and Rudra Mohammed Shahidullah.

His second presentation was Jibonando Das's patriotic poem Rupashi Bangla. Rafiq's resonant voice modulation is perfect to raise the revolutionary fervour of the audience. His recitation of revolutionary poems such as Shukanto's Chharpaatro, Nirmalendu Goon's Swadhinata ei swabdoti amaader kibhabe elo, Taher Amreto's Eishwar nei ami aachhi and Rudra Mohammed Shahidullah's Batashe lasher gandho gripped the audience.

In a different vein, Rafiq recited Shuranjona oi khane jeyo na tumi, the first line of Jibonando Das's sentimental poem Aakashleena. Rafiq's rhythmic presentation of Aanondo Jagye by Joy Goswami and Jasimuddin's popular elegy Kabar were the other attractions for the audience.

However, Rafiq's rendering of contemporary poetry was below par. He ended the programme with the recitation of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's poem Aagomoni.

Through the recitation programme, the audience got a taste of Bangla literature in its infinite variety. At the same time, they could add to their knowledge of classical and popular poetry.