1st National Music Festival and conference ends

The curtain fell on the first national music festival and conference through an elaborated programme at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on July 16.

Aiming to unite the music lovers across the country, Sangeet Oikya Bangladesh has organized a month-long event, which took place across the country.

Presided over by Secretary General of Sangeet Oikya Shahid Mahmud Jangi, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was present as chief guest at the closing ceremony of the month-long festival, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid was present as special guest.

The closing ceremony of the festival started with the rendering of the national anthem at 7 pm. After that, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the deceased in the Sangeet arena.

Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said, “When I heard about this event, I thought it is a rare opportunity. I didn’t want to miss it. The organization or unity formed with three music organizations with artists from all over the country is praiseworthy. The demands of the organisations are very rational. I believe that many of them will be fulfilled. In particular, amendments to the copyright law will increase the fairness and honour of royalty. If the Ministry of Culture takes these initiatives, we will be sincere to implement them.”

While speaking as a special guest State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid informed that Shilpi Kalyan Trust is being launched within a very short time. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has allocated Tk 50 crores to start it.

The programme was also attended by Kumar Biswajit, Nakib Khan, Director General of BSA Liaquat Ali Lucky, and others.

The cultural programme began with the presentation of child artists. The programme features classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, folk songs, and songs from films, audio albums, and band music.

Shawkat Ali Emon, Mehreen Mahmud, Dinat Jahan Munni, Joy Shahriar, Kishore, Konal, Joyita, Ronti Das, Sondhi, Karishma Sanu Sovvota, Shawon Gaanwala, Haimanti, Obonti, SI Raju, Yosuf, Akash Mahmud, Raju Ahmed, Apu Aman, and others rendered songs at the event.

Band Souls and Feedback also perform songs at the event. At the end, Manam Ahmed, Nakib Khan, Kumar Bishwajit, and Bappa Majumder participated in a special performance.

The month-long event kicked off at Chittagong district Shilpakala Academy on June 17.