Marking the 42nd martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has come up with an array of programmes scheduled to be held throughout the entire month of August on its premises in the capital.

With the titled ‘Shilper Aloy Bangabandhu’, BSA launched the month-long event yesterday on its premises with a discussion programme. Presided over by BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Professor Dr Kamrul Hasan Khan, curator of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum Nazrul Islam Khan, veteran thespian Ataur Rahman, poet Nirmalendu Goon, among others, were present as discussants.

Then, Loko Natya Dal staged their play ‘Mujib Mane Mukti’ at the Experimental Theatre Hall of BSA. Planned, scripted and directed by Liaquat Ali Lucky, the production portrays the childhood of Bangabandhu with background music. As the story progresses, Bangabandhu is seen growing up through different events. Rooted in history, the story of the play depicts the versatile life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. From his boyhood to his tragic death, the play unfolds the major episodes of his life. The play also brings out a few incidents relating to national importance, including the Language Movement, Agartala Conspiracy Case, Bangabandhu’s historic speech of March 7 and finally the Liberation War. The play also narrates the emergence of Bangladesh as a free nation.

In the cultural segment, BSA repertory dance troupe performed a group dance with the song ‘Dukhini Bangla, Janani Bangla’, while Nirmalendu Goon recited his own poems. Besides, recitation artistes Dalia Ahmed and Jayanta Chattopadhyay also recited poems on the inaugural day of the month-long event.

Moreover, a month-long art exhibition on Bangabandhu was launched at Gallery-5 of BSA’s National Art Plaza, as well as documentary screening took place in the evening.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged children’s drawing competition in every Upazilas and district Shilpakala Academy from August 1 to 15. BSA will also hold art camp on ‘Shilper Aloy Banglabandhu’ from August 4 and 5 and in Tungipara on August 12 to 14.

BSA will also arrange various cultural programmes, including staging plays, discussion, recitation and children’s programmes across the country during the month of August.