The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has initiated a three-day program in Kushtia to honor the 135th death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah. The event, which kicked off on October 17, is scheduled to wrap up on October 19.
Today, the festivities started at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital with a Lalon fair, followed by a special tribute to the esteemed Lalon singer Farida Parveen.
During the event, Dr. Md Rashiduzzaman, a professor from the Department of Bangla at Islamic University, Kushtia, delivered keynote speeches. Distinguished guests in attendance included the valiant freedom fighter Syed Mehdi Ahmed Roomy, former Member of Parliament for Kushtia-4; Kutub Uddin Ahmed, the convener of Zilla BNP in Kushtia; Jannatul Fersaush Toni, the chief coordinator of NCP in Kushtia; and Md Rasheduzzaman, the acting president of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) in Kushtia.
The program, led by Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arafin, Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia, had Farida Akhter, an Adviser from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, as the chief guest.
The musical segment featured performances by Anny Bairagi, Fahmida Ahmed Shifa, Suchona Shely, Baula Band, Pathik Nabi and Team Creative, Arup Rahi, Samageet, Neerab and Bauls, Dina Mondal, Mujib Pardeshi, Kaniz Khandaker Mitu, Sagar Baul, Bengal Symphony, Aleya Begum, Shiblu, Makhon Dewan, Martha, Tuntun Baul, and Lalon Band.
The concluding day, set for tomorrow, will take place at Saiji’s Mazar, Lalon Academy, Chhauria, Kuarkhali, Kushtia. The program will start at 6 pm with a discussion on Lalon Shah, followed by a musical gathering at 7 pm.