Shilpakala Academy Commences Two Day World Music Festival

The celebration of World Music Day has officially commenced at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises with traditional drum-beating (dhak-dhol) performances and a colourful rally, defying the seasonal Asharh rain. The energetic drumming and vibrant procession created a lively atmosphere across the academy grounds, marking the first day of the scheduled two-day festival.

An elegant discussion session was held on the opening evening, where the Honourable Minister for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mr Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, was present as the chief guest. The convener of JASAS, Mr Helal Khan, attended the event as a special guest, while the esteemed Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Ms Kaniz Maula, presided over the gathering.

The opening remarks and welcome address were delivered by the Director General of the Academy, poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (popularly known as Rezauddin Stalin). Concluding the formal discussion session, the Secretary of the Academy, Mr Mohammad Zakir Hossain, expressed his gratitude and delivered the vote of thanks to the attendees.

Elaborate Orchestral and Group Performances

As the stage curtains rose, instrumentalists under the musical direction of Partha Majumder performed orchestral renditions of classic tracks, including “Tumi Nirmol Koro”, “Milon Hobe Koto Dine”, and the globally recognised rhythm “Lambada”.

Following the instrumental showcase, a group of the country’s most celebrated vocalists took to the same stage for a joint performance. Prominent artists including Agun, Mehreen, Fahmida Nabi, and Alif Alauddin, along with a ensemble of fellow stars, performed collective renditions of the patriotic song “Dhono Dhanno Pushpo Bhora” and Michael Jackson’s internationally famous charity anthem, “We Are the World”.

Highlights of Individual and International Line-ups

The primary attraction of the opening day featured consecutive solo performances by a star-studded line-up of artists. Renowned singers delivered musical numbers to the audience, including:

• Piyal Hasan

• Fahmida Nabi

• Agun

• Anima Roy

• Monir Khan

• Safi Mondol

• Yasmin Mustari

In addition to the local solo vocalists, the cultural event featured special performances presented by invited artists representing the Embassies of China and Japan. Furthermore, the audience was entertained by contemporary band music sets performed by Ethun Babu, Animesh, and Ankon, adding diverse musical genres to the first evening’s itinerary.

Schedule and Dignitaries for the Closing Day

The two-day music festival is scheduled to reach its conclusion tomorrow, Monday 22 June, with the closing ceremony beginning at 5:30 pm. The final day’s proceedings will feature a distinct group of administrative dignitaries and guests. The Honourable Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Industrial Affairs (holding Ministerial rank), Mr Md Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, will be in attendance as the chief guest.

The Administrator of the Mymensingh District Council, Mr Emran Saleh Prince, will attend the closing day as a special guest, while the member secretary of JASAS, Mr Zakir Hossain Rokon, will be present as an honoured guest. The Cultural Affairs Secretary, Ms Kaniz Maula, will once again preside over the second day’s programme, and the Director General of the Academy, poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin), is scheduled to deliver the welcome address for the final session.