Call to Promote Proper Bangla

The programme will continue at Shaheed Minar till February 19. Photo: STAR

A fortnight-long cultural programme to observe 'Amar Ekushey' (International Mother Language Day) by Shammilita Sangskritik Jote (SSJ) has begun at the Central Shaheed Minar premises, Dhaka from February 8. Nazrul exponent and noted cultural personality Professor Rafiqul Islam inaugurated the festival.
Cultural activists attended the opening programme, where everyone recalled the significance of Amar Ekushey and focused on practicing Bangla language in every sphere of life, especially at official levels.
The ceremony began through homage to the Language Martyrs; flowers were offered at the Shaheed Minar alter and a one-minute silence was observed.
Among others, lawmaker and media personality Asaduzzaman Noor; publisher and Liberation War Museum trustee Mafidul Haque; Gano Sangeet artiste Fakir Alamgir; Group Theatre Federation chairman Liaquat Ali Lucky and cultural organiser and convener of the programme Golam Kuddus spoke at the inaugural.
Nasiruddin Yousuff, president of SSJ, presided over the session, while Hasan Arif, reciter and general secretary of SSJ, delivered the welcome speech. Reciter Ahkamullah read out the programme manifesto.
In his speech, Professor Rafiqul Islam criticised the widespread distortion of Bangla language that has become a contemporary trend demonstrated on the FM radio and TV channels. "We don't want the youth of the country to learn and speak this distorted form of Bangla," said Professor Islam.
Asaduzzaman Noor also criticised the way some TV serials and programmes on radio promote this distorted version of Bangla. "It's a shame that we are tolerating and to some extent even enjoying this language distortion," said Noor.
In his speech, Nasiruddin Yousuff urged the Government to take further steps to safeguard our mother language.
After the inauguration, a cultural programme featuring songs, dances, recitations and a street play was held at the venue.
Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Ashraful Alam recited "Ekushey February" [written by Habibullah Siraji]. A solo rendition of Rabindranath's patriotic number "O Aamar Desher Mati" by Lily Islam followed.
Laila Afroz recited Mahbubul Alam's "Kandte Ashini Phashir Dabi Niye Eshechhi".
Padatik Natya Sangsad staged the street play "Tribunal". The play has been directed by Wahidul Islam. Members of the dance organisation Spandan performed dance. Among other artistes and organisations, Chhayanaut, Sangbrita and Nasima Shahin took part at the cultural programme.
Before shifting to the Rabindra Sarobar open stage at Dhanmondi, the programme will continue at the Shaheed Minar premises till February 19. At the Rabindra Sarobar, the programme will be held on February 20 and 21. Everyday the programme will start at 4pm.