Practising Bhaoyaiya songs stressed

Cultural personalities at a function in Rangpur stressed properly preserving, flourishing and practising Bhaoyaiya and other folk songs to revive the past glory of rich Bengali culture, heritage and social values.

They put special importance on enriching Bengali culture through strengthening cultural movement, frequently arranging cultural programs and popularizing Bengali culture to build a more human and peaceful society.

They came up with the emphasise on Friday while addressing the inaugural function of a two-day Rangpur Divisional Bhaoyaiya Festival 2022 organised by the Rangpur divisional unit of cultural organization ‘Bhaoyaiya Angon’ at the Town Hall auditorium in the city.

Mayor of Rangpur Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa attended the discussion followed by enjoying Bhaoyaiya songs as the chief guest.

President of Rangpur divisional unit of Bhaoyaiya Angon Harun Ar Rashid presided over the discussion while General Secretary Ranjeet Kumar Roy delivered a welcome speech.

Executive Member of Bangladesh Shilpokola Academy and noted theatre personality Biplob Prasad, President of Rangpur Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rezaul Islam Milan, Bhoayaiya researcher Md Siraj Uddin and writer-researcher Anwarul Islam Raju were addressed as special guests.

Chairman of the central committee of Bhaoyaiya Angon Salma Mostafiz and its founder and Executive Director AKM Mostafizur Rahman spoke as guests of honour.

Earlier, veteran Bhaoyaiya artist Radha Rani Sarker inaugurated the Bhaoyaiya Festival by releasing balloons at the office premises of the Rangpur divisional unit of Bhaoyaiya Angon in the Engineer Para area of the city at 4:30 pm.

A colourful rally participated by Bhaoyiya composers, lyricists, artists and organizers from all eight districts in the Rangpur division was also brought out on the city streets.

The speakers said Bhaoyaiya songs have an incredible influence on developing the civilization, culture and lifestyle of people in the Brahmaputra basin in this region comprising greater Rangpur, Assam, West Bengal and adjoining areas.

Mayor Mostafa suggested that cultural organisations expand healthy cultural practices involving young generations, to eliminate militancy, terrorism and extremism from this soil.

“We have to conduct more research and proper preservation of Bhaoyaiya songs that have been playing a vital role in restoring lost social values in building a culturally healthier nation alongside entertaining millions of people,” he said.