Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, ABM Abdul Haque Chowdhury was the chief guest at the inauguration on May 27. The programme was presided over by the director general of the Academy, Quamrul Hassan, ndc. Eminent dancer Rahija Khanom Jhunu and Kanka Jamil, daughter of Gauhar Jamil, were special guests at the programme. Director, Department of Production, BSA, Zinnat Barkatullah also spoke at the occasion.

Discussants focused on the importance of revival and practice of the dances composed by the gurus. Speakers also discussed on lives and works of both Mannan and Jamil.

Dances choreographed by Mannan were staged on the first day of the programme. Under the guidance of choreographer Deepa Khondokar, a disciple of Mannan, students from different dance schools performed the compositions. According to Khondokar the main feature of dances composed by her guru is the fusion of traditional Bangladeshi folk elements with classical forms. She added that she had tried her best to maintain the originality of the compositions.

The performances began with a Manipuri dance. Mannan composed the piece in 1978, fusing Manipuri (which was not recognised as a classical form before that time) with the classical lashya style. Decked in traditional Manipuri attire, artistes performed the composition.

Among other pieces composed by Mannan presented at the programme were Dhol dance, Fishermen's dance, Tea Garden dance, Wedding dance, Snake Charmer's dance, Dhankata dance and Flag dance.

The Dhankata dance is part of a dance-drama titled Nakshi Kanthar Math, one of Mannan's most popular creations. Artistes depicted harvest in the rural areas through the recital.

Accompanied with a popular Chatka song of the Sylhet region -- Aaji bahal koriya bajanrey dotara, dancers presented the piece.

Lives of tea garden workers were presented in the Tea Garden dance.

The programme wrapped up with the Flag dance. Carrying the National Flag of Bangladesh dancers presented the composition.