This recitation by Hasan Arif, Ahkamullah and Laila Afroz is only a small indicator of the high calibre of poetry that was presented recently. The function, which brought together this trio along with the groups Jion Kathi and Katha, was held to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the Liberation War Museum along with the Independence Day.

Joy Joy Janoni Bangla, recited by the above poets, revealed the troubled times the nation went through before 1971 as well as at present. The poems recited at the programme included Mora Ekti Phulke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori and Kobita Ekhoni Lekhar Shomoy. The leitmotif of this verse aimed at creating awareness against all social evils.

Jiyon Kathi, a recitation group, with its Ei Nitto Apoghat Dur Koro depicted the desire of the people for a secular and progressive Bangladesh, where each and every person can live fearlessly.

Apart from their group presentation, Hasan Arif and Ahkamullah also rendered solo sessions. Hasan recited poems Poraner Gohin Bhitotre of Sayed Shamsul Haq, Raat Berechhe of Shuvra Das Gupta and Ekattur-er Shokgatha of Nirmalendu Gun. Ahkamullah in his enriched voice performed a collage composition of several poems.

The evening's last attraction was the poetic presentation of the play Payer Awaj Paowa Jay of Syed Shamsul Haq from Katha. It captured the turbulent time of the Liberation War.

For anyone with a love for the nuances of Bangla poetry, the show was definitely appealing.