First-ever contest to find out country’s 7 greatest structures
Staff Correspondent
With a view to upholding the country's historical and cultural heritage, Radio Foorti, a private FM radio station, has launched the first-ever contest titled 'The Magnificent 7' to find out seven greatest structures of Bangladesh. "We have launched the contest being inspired by our listeners who sent several hundred short message services (sms) and emails to us after carrying out the news of seven new wonders of the world," said Sayyied Kabir, chief executive officer (CEO) of Radio Foorti, at a press conference at its office at Gulshan in the city on Friday. "Awareness about the country's magnificent structures would be increased by the contest and people will feel an urge to protect these heritages which might be at the damaging state," he said. Kabir said a panel of five judges has already made a short list of 21 important sites from which the people will select seven magnificent sites through sms or emails. Prof Dr Enamul Haque, founder-director general of Bangladesh National Museum, Prof Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed, head of architecture department of University of Asia Pacific, Dr Syed Manzoorul Islam, professor of English department of Dhaka University, Murtaja Baseer, former professor of Fine Arts of Chittagong University and Shimul Yousuf, a noted theatre artiste, are the judges. "Only human-built structures in an acceptable state of preservation with true artistic or archaeological value and situated within the territorial boundary of the country have been selected by the panel in making the list of 21," said Kabir, adding, the structures are from all ages and form all parts of the country. "We are inviting all people to send sms votes that started from yesterday (July 14) and if anyone wants to vote through emails he or she needs to visit Radio Foorti's website," he added. He said they will also give advertisement to newspapers and announce the news of the contest through their station. Kabir said the voting will continue for a period of three weeks, ending on August 3 and anyone from the country and abroad can vote. After the voting, they will tally the vote and announce the result in presence of the 5-member panel at a suitable event, he said. When asked about the criteria while selecting the sites, Dr Enamul Haque said it is not a full proof thing as the number of sites could be increased to 25. The panel has selected the sites considering their architectural, aesthetic and historical values, he added.
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