Professor Abdus Selim of North South University presented an essay, titled "Tagore in English" at the programme. Mosud Mannan, director general of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Professor Shafi Ahmed of Jahangirnagar University took part in the discussion. The programme was presided over by Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam.

In his speech Dr. Syed Md. Shahed, director general of Bangla Academy, talked about previous programmes on Tagore arranged by the Academy. From 1962, Bangla Academy has maintained a tradition of observing the birth and death anniversaries of Tagore, except in 1970 when the then Pakistani government barred it.

Renowned personalities including Dr. Md. Shahidullah, poets Sufia Kamal and Shamsur Rahman had participated in these programmes.

In his essay, Professor Abdus Selim said that the western writers view Tagore as an obscure and mystic poet of the east. Despite a warm reception, the western interest in Tagore eventually waned.

Professor Selim discussed views of several noted writers and critics of the west on Tagore. Translations of Tagore's works in German, Russian, Chinese and English were also discussed.

Professor Shafi Ahmed expressed his doubt on whether it is possible to translate Tagore effectively. The western views were based on the translations. He also mentioned that Tagore's political views, specifically his famous "Oxford Speech" dwindled his popularity among the European literary circuit. He strongly criticised the "occidental" views of the west in this regard.

Mosud Mannan shared his experience in different countries where he noticed the enthusiastic studies of Tagore's work.

After the discussion, Lili islam, Sushmita Ahmed and Neelotpol Sadhyo rendered Tagore songs.