The compilation, featuring an episode originally recorded in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, will be broadcast on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on Friday, 6 November, after the 8pm news bulletin. It will combine selected segments from the Sonargaon recording with highlights from several previous editions of the programme.
Written, directed and presented by Hanif Sanket, Ityadi is produced by Fagun Audio Vision. The production company announced the details in a press release.
The original episode was recorded in front of the historic Bara Sardar Bari, within the premises of the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation in Sonargaon. The venue was arranged around a sculpture inspired by Sangram, a celebrated painting by Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. Several thousand invited guests attended the recording.
Sonargaon, historically associated with the country’s muslin heritage, provides a fitting backdrop for a programme that regularly highlights Bangladesh’s history, traditions and cultural diversity.
Music will be one of the main attractions of the upcoming edition, which features three principal songs. Among them is a special composition exploring people’s longing to rediscover their roots and maintain a connection with their cultural identity.
The song brings together Kumar Bishwajit, a prominent figure in modern Bangladeshi music, and Chishti Baul, whose musical tradition is rooted in folk expression. Their collaboration combines two distinct musical styles around a shared theme of belonging and cultural heritage.
Written by Mohammad Rafiquzzaman, the song has been composed and arranged by Ibrahim Tipu.
Another musical presentation will celebrate the history and traditions of Sonargaon. An introductory song written by Moniruzzaman Palash will accompany a dance performance by more than 50 local dancers. The presentation will showcase the area’s cultural identity through music and choreography.
The compilation will also revisit a memorable performance from the programme’s archive. A song originally broadcast in June 2003 will feature in the upcoming edition. Sung by Santu, with lyrics by Liton Adhikari Rintu, the performance will offer longtime viewers an opportunity to revisit a memorable moment from the programme’s earlier years.
Beyond music and entertainment, the episode will include several reports focusing on social initiatives, education and humanitarian challenges.
Two informative reports will explore the rich history of Narayanganj and Sonargaon, as well as the activities of the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation. The features will highlight the importance of preserving historical landmarks, traditional crafts and the country’s folk heritage.
Education will receive particular attention through a report on young social worker Shahed Kayes, who has been working to bring educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in Sonargaon. The feature will highlight his efforts to help children gain access to learning and the importance of community-led initiatives in supporting education.
Environmental awareness will be another focus. A report on Khairul Alam, a nature enthusiast and dedicated tree planter, will showcase his commitment to planting trees and protecting the natural environment. His activities will underline how individual efforts can contribute to environmental conservation and encourage greater public awareness of the importance of greenery.
The programme will also present a follow-up report on an unconventional school established in the haor wetlands of Kishoreganj. The feature will revisit the initiative and highlight the challenges of providing education in remote areas where geographical conditions can make access to conventional educational facilities difficult.
A particularly sensitive report will focus on the drinking water crisis in Gabura Union, a remote area of Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira. Residents of the locality face serious difficulties in obtaining safe drinking water. The segment will portray their everyday struggles and draw attention to the hardship caused by limited access to an essential resource.
As in previous editions, the programme will retain its satirical theatrical segment, which uses humour to highlight various social irregularities and contradictions. The familiar audience participation segment will also return, alongside popular features such as Nani-Nati, Mama-Bhagney and the letters section.
With its combination of music, cultural performances, social commentary and human-interest stories, the special compilation aims to offer viewers a varied television experience. The performances by Kumar Bishwajit and Chishti Baul will be a major attraction, while the reports on education, environmental initiatives and the challenges facing remote communities will add a strong social dimension to the programme.
