Rabindra Music Convention Concludes

The 44th annual session and concluding ceremony of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad featured a firm message in support of cultural practice and artistic engagement, alongside the formal announcement of awards, commemorations, and organisational decisions.

In her address as chief guest at the closing session, Ferdousi Mazumdar stated that renewed engagement with Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet would help restore social and cultural vitality. She emphasised that cultural practice could distance society from violence, greed, and moral decline. She further observed that neither favourable nor adverse times are permanent, and urged people to move forward with courage and integrity, noting that life does not come to a halt under any circumstances.

The ceremony began with the presentation of honours. As part of the proceedings, the Rabindra Padak was awarded to Professor Syed Akram Hossain. The citation was read by Laisa Ahmed Lisa. Expressing his gratitude, Professor Hossain described the recognition as the most honourable moment of his life and thanked the organisers and selection committee, citing poet Sudhindranath Dutta’s reflection that debts are acknowledged rather than repaid.

Following the award segment, certificates and prizes were distributed among successful participants in the final competitions of the children’s and general categories. A total of 56 participants from across the country were awarded.

A condolence motion was then presented by Zahirul Haque Khan. Tributes were paid to several deceased cultural personalities, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Sunil Karmakar. The assembly also condemned recent incidents of arson and attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Shilpakala Academy, and Udichi. A one-minute silence was observed in remembrance.

Later, the declaration of the convention was read by Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay. Votes of thanks were delivered by the general secretary Lily Islam and president Mofidul Hoque. A new 61-member central executive committee was subsequently announced.

Executive Committee (Selected Key Posts)

The concluding segment of the event featured ceremonial lighting of lamps in the evening, performed by cultural figures including Sarwar Ali, Ramen Mazumder, Ferdousi Mazumdar, Mamunur Rashid, and Professor A. Q. M. Sirajul Islam. The programme included music, dance, and recitation performances. The two-day convention concluded with the singing of the national anthem.

Earlier in the day, delegates from across the country paid floral tributes at the Central Shaheed Minar. A representative conference was held at 10:00 a.m. at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, where the executive committee was formed unanimously. At 11:30 a.m., a seminar titled “Institutional Education in Schools and Music” was held, featuring speakers including Professor Kisti Hefaz, Professor Santosh Dhali, Ferdous Ara Lipi, and Swatantira Bulbul.

The organisation traces its origins to 1979, beginning as the Jahidur Rahim Smriti Parishad on the death anniversary of distinguished Rabindra Sangeet singer Jahidur Rahim. It was later renamed the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad to expand its national scope. The organisation currently operates through 82 branches across the country. Although renamed, it continues to honour Jahidur Rahim’s legacy by instituting the competitive Jahidur Rahim Memorial Award for emerging performers.