122nd death anniversary of Lalon

Commemoration at the bard's den

A five-day programme has been chalked out on the occasion of the 122nd death anniversary of mystic bard Lalon at the Chheuria Lalon Akhra in Kushtia. The programme begins today.

Lalon Academy is holding the programme in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Kushtia district administration is supervising the event.

The programme includes a monthlong 'Lalon Mela', discussion and rendition of songs by artistes of Lalon Academy and bauls from across the country.

Mahbubul Alam Hanif, joint general secretary of Bangladesh Awami

League and also special assistant to the Prime Minister, will inaugurate the programme as chief guest.

Other guests at the programme include State Minister for Social

Welfare, Advocate Promod Mankin; State Minister for Housing and Public Works, Advocate Abdul Mannan; and director general of Bangladesh

Shilpakala Academy, Liaquat Ali Lucky.

Professor Abul Ahsan Choudhury; Professor Sarwar Murshed Ratan of Bangla Department, Islamic University and several others will be chief discussants. Banamali Bhoumik, Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia and also convener of Lalon Academy, will preside over the programme.

A Lalon mural will be unveiled at the event.

The DC of Kushtia said that this is the first time that bauls are being offered meals 10 days before the start of the programme and this will continue till Sunday. Free medical treatment for the bauls has also been arranged.

“We are hopeful that the programme will be held in a peaceful atmosphere,” said Banamali Bhoumik. Banglalink is the sponsor of the programme. Bauls from different areas have already assembled at the Akhra.