Ushering in transformation

(From left) Asif, Shakila Zafar, S.I. Tutul, Dinat Jahan and Fahmida Nabi sing “Bodley jao bodley dao” at the event. Photo: Neloy Hossain

The popular Bangla daily Prothom Alo celebrated its 11th anniversary amid festivities at Rabindra Sarobar, Dhanmondi in the city on November 4.
The setting sun on the western front was flashing a soft light on a banner that read “Apni shuru korun, bakira thik-i bodlabey” (Start changing yourself, rest will follow you.)
People from all walks of life attended the programme.
The cultural programme started with a performance by Kuddus Boyati and his troupe. Kuddus Boyati rendered “Agey ki shundor din kataitam” and “Ki shundor ek gaaner pakhi”. Piara Kuddus, Boyati's wife, sang “Gaan gai amar mon re bujhai”.
Professor Anisuzzaman; Professor Mozaffar Ahmed Chowdhury; Professor Asif Nazrul; editor of Prothom Alo, Motiur Rahman; editor of The Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam; cartoonist Shishir Bhattacharya; columnist Syed Abul Maksud; human rights activist Salma Khan, recitor Bhashwar Bandopadhyay; litterateur and sub-editor of Prothom Alo, Anisul Haq; TV personality Abdun Noor Tushar; singers Shakila Zafar, Shuvra Dev, S.I. Tutul, Asif, Fahmida Nabi, Mahmuduzzaman Babu, Kuddus Boyati; actor-singer Chanchal Chowdhury; folk singer and lawmaker Momotaj and film actor Shakib Khan, among others, raised their hands and vowed to work together to bring about positive changes in Bangladesh.
During a short discussion, Professor Anisuzzaman said, “Apart from carrying out professional duties, Prothom Alo is involved in many projects that are significantly beneficial to the society.”
Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam urged everyone to change everyday habits that have detrimental effects on the environment.
Editor of Prothom Alo and Magsaysay award winner Motiur Rahman said, “Change is a lengthy process. We have just started encouraging people from all fronts. Everyone should come forward to respond to the initiatives that encourage positive changes.”
Chanchal Chowdhury entertained the audience with a rendition of the song “Nithua patharey nemechhi bondhurey”.
Bhashwar Bandopadhyay recited a poem of D.L. Roy, “Nandalal To Ekoda Ekta Korilo Bhishon Pon”.
Shakila Zafar, Fahmida Nabi, S.I. Tutul, Asif Akbar and Dinat Jahan performed a chorus “Bodley jao bodley dao”, written and composed by Abu Sufian and S.I. Tutul respectively. Asif Akbar performed “Besh besh besh, shabash Bangladesh”.
Shuvra Dev sang “Tirish lokkho praan-er damey Bangladesh”.
Surer Dhara, a cultural organisation, presented a chorus “Dhano dhanyo pushpo bhora”.
Singer Momotaj rendered a song on street urchins -- “Sonargaon thekey berutei”.
Finally, Mahmuduzzaman Babu and his band Mrittika sang “Ami Banglar gaan gai”.

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Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu, Pabna
With the slogan, "Apni shuru korun, bakira thik-i bodlabey," the daily Prothom Alo celebrated its 11th founding anniversary across the country. Like other districts, a colourful programme was organised in Pabna on Wednesday.
The daylong event, held at the Pabna Town Hall premises, included tree plantation, blood donation, discussion and cultural programmes. Prothom Alo Bandhu Shabha, Pabna arranged the programme.
President of 'Bandhu Shabha', Pabna Samsunnahar Borna chaired the programme. Veteran politician Mohammad Saidul Haque Chunnu and Zakir Hossain, president of Pabna Press Club, among others, spoke in the course of the discussion. The secretary of 'Bandhu Shabha', Pabna Mostafizur Rahman Russell delivered the inaugural speech.
The speakers focused on Prothom Alo's social commitment. Prothom Alo wants an enlightened society so it emphasises the need for transformation, the speakers were of the view.
Later local artistes gave music and dance performances. Nasima Ashraf, Saki Rezwana Bonna, Usha along with their group performed in the cultural programme. Cultural activist Asraf Hossain Rabi conducted the programme.

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OUR CORRESPONDENT, Magura

Prothom Alo Bandhu Shabha, Magura held a cultural programme at the Asaduzzaman auditorium in the town on Wednesday evening to celebrate the 11th anniversary of Prothom Alo.
The cultural programme featured recitation, rendition of patriotic and adhunik Bangla songs and dance.
A rally was also brought out in the town on the occasion, which was well attended by people from all walks of life.