Literature Festival in Netrakona

Bashontokalin Shahitya Utshab (Spring Literature Festival) was celebrated at the Mukterpara area of the district town last Sunday, on the occasion of Pahela Phalgun, the first day of spring. Netrakona Shahitya Shomaj organised the event.
The programmes included a procession, discussion and a cultural function, at the premises of the Public Library, and was inaugurated by Parimol Roy -- a renowned local cultural organiser.
The procession of artistes was brought out from Bokultola and paraded the main roads of the town.
In the evening a discussion was held on Khalekdad Chowdhury's life and contribution to Bangla literature. Presided over by Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, president of Netrakona Shahitya Shomaj, the discussion was addressed among others by renowned writer Professor Jatin Sarker; poet Farid Kabir; Ataul Karim and Mahbub Kabir.
On the occasion, Netrakona Shahitya Shomaj presented the 14th and 15th Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Awards to two litterateurs in recognition of their contributions.
Poet Altaf Hossen bagged the 14th Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award and writer Nasrin Jahan received the 15th.
Leading writers, poets and intellectuals from across the country attended the festival.