Fifth anniversary of Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan Sangeet Academy

Young students in traditional attire perform at the musical soiree

Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan Sangeet Academy celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Shaheed Zia Auditorium, National Museum on February 3. Ashrafuzzaman Khan was present as the chief guest. Noted singer Fakir Alamgir and Golam Kuddus, general secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, attended the programme as special guests.
The programme was divided into two sessions. In the first session students from the academy felicitated Ashrafuzzaman Khan, Fakir Alamgir, Golam Kuddus, Rupu Khan, (executive director of the academy and daughter of the late Mumtaz Ali Khan) and Ahsan Habib, director of the academy, with bouquets and badges.
Presenters then read out a short biography of the late Khan Ataur Rahman. Rahman was awarded a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, which was accepted by his daughter Rumana Islam.
Two more awards were presented to Nadira Begum and Majeda Shireen Rahman.
The second and final session of the programme started after a short break. A choral rendition by the students of the academy was followed by a solo dance.
The programme also featured renditions by Fakir Alamgir, Bipul Bhattacharya, Ferdous Ara, Rumana Islam, Abu Bakr Siddique, Shipar Khan, Ariful Haque, Choitali Khan, Uttam Saha, Rabi Chowdhury, Alaul Haque, Abida Rahman Shetu and Orthi Rahman. All songs rendered at the programme were written by Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan.