Remembering poet Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury

Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury, Sharmila Bandyopadhyay performs at the programme.

On the occasion of the 85th birth anniversary of Language Movement veteran and poet Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury, Kranti Shilpi Goshthi organised a memorial programme on November 20 at Shawkat Osman Auditorium, National Public Library in Dhaka.
Chowdhury is the writer of the first poem on 'Ekushey' (February 21, 1952), “Kandte ashini, phashir dabi niye eshechhi”.
The programme featured discussion, songs, dance, poetry recitation and launch of a memorial book on the poet. Noted educationist Dr. Anisuzzaman unveiled the book at the programme. A number of Language Movement veterans, writers, poets, educationists, cultural activists, the poet's friends and well-wishers have written about him.
Nazrul exponent Rafiqul Islam; Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy and Dr. Anisuzzaman have been involved with the book as advisers. Writers Selina Hossain and Joyson Ara Rahman are the editors of the book.
At the discussion, Rafiqul Islam, Shamsuzzaman Khan and social activist Maleka Begum talked about the poet's life and works. Mahbubul Haider, president of Kranti Shilpi Goshthi, presided over the programme. Poet Nasir Ahmed delivered the welcome speech at the programme.
The discussants were of the view that Chowdhury was involved in the Language Movement from 1948 to 1956. On February 21, 1952, after learning about the cruel incident at Dacca University (now Dhaka University), he instantly wrote the poem “Kandte ashini…”
Poets Asad Chowdhury, Kazi Rozi and elocutionist Bashwar Bandyopadhyay recited poems at the programme. Tagore artiste Fahmida Khatun, singer Oishika Nodi, dancer Sharmila Bandyopadhyay and artistes of Kranti Shilpi Goshthi performed at the event.