Inspired by history, heritage and culture

As the competition heats up on the sets of “Rin presents Bangladesh First”, powered by Standard Chartered Bank, and brought to you by Champs21.com, in association with The Daily Star, General Manager of Grey MA Maruf -- the mastermind behind the set design -- expresses his conception of the show. “'Bangladesh First' has provided the new generation, adolescents especially, with an excellenxop their own sense of identity anywhere in the world.”
He says Bangladesh's noble history inspired him to design the set. “If one observes closely, one would see that the set portrays modern Bangladesh: its proud heritage, politics and vibrant culture. It illustrates a fusion between the rural and urban aspects, historical significances and rapid progression.”
The set comprises of miniature monumental structures of Bangladesh like the Shaheed Minar, parliament building, Hatirjheel Bridge etc. Saiful Azim, Grey's Director of Operations, says that these models were built to draw limelight on Bangladesh's gradual development.
“The set was huge and we made the best use of it,” he says. “The water that runs under the Hatirjheel Bridge is an important part of the set because it signifies the country being river-locked.” The concept was made further alive with the addition of live fishes in the water.
“The water was maintained and kept clean and clear using electric motors,' he adds. “We painted the pool blue to make it look attractive on television.”
Director of Bangladesh First, Redoan Roni contributed heavily in set direction. “Six HD cameras were used,” he says. “Lighting was done in a manner to maintain international standard. Over a hundred crew members were employed for the project. It is possibly one of the most challenging tasks I have undertaken.”
Tonight, the twelfth episode of “Rin presents Bangladesh First” will be aired on Maasranga TV at 9:05 pm. Teams from Ideal School and College, Dhaka, Mymensingh Cadet College, Dhaka, Paramount School and College, Rajshahi, and SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Dhaka, will participate to intensify the quest for the ultimate Bangladesh First Champion.