Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan remembered

(From T-B) Shamsuzzaman Khan, Rupu Khan, Kalim Sharafi and Pilu Momtaz at the book launch, a dance performance

Veteran Tagore Exponent Kalim Sharafi was the chief guest at the event. Among others, popular artiste of the '70s and daughter of Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan, Pilu Momtaz; folklore researcher Shamsuzzaman Khan and general secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus attended the programme.

The speakers expressed grave concern on the current state of our folk music and the need to uphold and preserve the genre.

After the discussion a book titled Ustad Momtaz Alir Gaan and an audio album Amar Bondhu Dorodia were launched. The book was launched by Kalim Sharafi. Pilu Momtaz and others launched the audio album. The album features 12 songs written and composed by Momtaz Ali.

Fifty songs -- all provided by record collector Rafiqul Haque -- have been included in the book. Haque presented a rare gramophone record of the singer recorded by HMV in 1936 to the organisation. The record has two songs Amar Bondhu Sawdagor and Durey Chakrite Jaiyo Na Pranonath.

After the discussion the cultural programme began with a dance performance and it was followed by a recitation of Baromashi songs of Momtaz Ali, by youngsters.