Poet Abu Zafar’s birth anniversary observed

The 75th birth anniversary of poet Abu Zafar Obaidullah was observed with much fanfare at Baherchar under Babuganj upazila of Barisal district on February 8.
Abu Zafar Obaidullah Smriti Pathagar chalked up the event. The participants held a discussion on the life, work and achievements of the poet at the Pathagar premises.
The speakers said that though he was a high up civil service official, Obaidullah always preferred to be known as a poet of the soil, nature and mankind.
“Obaidullah always incorporated elements such as the joys and sorrows, struggles and lives of the peasants and the rich images and legends of Bengal,” said the speakers.
Atikur Rahman, president of the Pathagar presided over the proceedings, while Bazlur Rahman Master, former UP chairman, was chief guest. Headmaster Rafikul Islam, Sultan Mahmud, Abu Taleb Master, Rashid Molla and others addressed the audience.
In the course of the meeting, a decision was also made to hold a two-day long Kabi Abu Zafar Obaidullah Mela 2009 complete with cultural programmes and discussions at Baherchar to celebrate the ninth death anniversary of the poet.
Obaidullah was born on February 8, 1934 and died on March 19, 2001. The poet was a prominent figure of the Language Movement and the proud recipient of the Ekushey Padak and Bangla Academy Award.