National Museum's Tribute to National Poet

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum speaks at the event (top); Sujit Mustafa and Shaheen Samad perform a duet.

Marking 112th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh National Museum (BNM) arranged a discussion and musical programme at Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of BNM on May 30. Noted Nazrul exponent and Vice Chancellor of University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh, Professor Rafiqul Islam, was the chief guest at the programme.
Director general of BNM, Prokash Chandra Das, welcomed the audience. Former Professor of the department of Bangla, Jahangirnagar University, Dr. Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum, elaborately discussed on the life and contributions of the 'Rebel Poet'. President of Restoration Board of BNM, M. Azizur Rahman, presided over the discussion.
In his speech, laden with references, the chief guest said, “Nazrul had the ability to prophesise the forthcoming reality. Some might think that he (the poet) wrote the song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' after he was incarcerated. But no! He wrote it before going to jail. He wrote the song 'Ei Shikol Pora Chhol Moder' while he was in Hooghly Jail.”
“Kazi Nazrul Islam was severely misunderstood while he was alive. Misinterpretation of the poet continues -- distorting his ideas, values and universal love for humanity,” Professor Rafiqul Islam regretted.
The musical part of the programme featured lively performances by noted singers Sujit Mustafa and Shaheen Samad. Sujit Mustafa was the first to take the stage.
“Nazrul's contribution to the realm of classical music is remarkable. As far as I know, the poet created 19 distinctive ragas. Through my performance I'll provide a demonstration,” Sujit said.
He then ascended and descended the Saptak of Raga Bageshree and Raga Rageshree.
“Based on these two ragas, Nazrul created Raga Malgunja. I am now rendering a song based on that raga,” Sujit continued. A rendition of “Kunjamala Goley Kunjey Esho Hey Kala” followed.
A devotional Sufi composition “Modir Aankhir Shudhaye Saqi Dubao Amar E Tanumon”, covered by the artiste, received rounds of applause from the audience.
Veteran singer Shaheen Samad started with a rendition of “Uchaton Mon”, which according to her, she learnt from her guru Sohrab Hossain. Hossain was in the audience.
Samad then performed the number “Ei Shikol Pora Chhol Moder” that inspired freedom fighters during the Liberation War. A Shyama Sangeet, “Thir Hoye Tui Bosh Dekhi Ma” by the artiste followed. Samad and Sujit performed a duet: “Jato Phool Tato Bhul”. Sabuj Ahmed on tabla and Binod on keyboard instrumentally assisted the singers.