Bangladeshi fans recall balladeer

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Sept 13:  The success of celebrating the 90th birth anniversary of Music Maestro Bhupen Hazarika in Dhaka was commemorated here today at Guwahati Press Club.

“We were thrilled to see the people of Bangladesh rejoicing on the occasion as the Maestro is a household me in Bangladesh. Organizing Bhupen Hazarika’s birthday in the neighbouring country is a unique experience for us,” singer Manisha Hazarika said, speaking on the occasion.

“It’s impossible to recount the fame of Bhupen Hazarika without going there. His songs are there in the minds and souls of the common people,” noting the fame of Bhupen Hazarika in the neighbouring tion, Manjula Hazarika said.

Friends of Bangladesh Assam chapter general secretary Soumen Bhattacharya said that the organization of the music Maestro’s Birthday in Bangladesh has contributed to the strong relationship, cultural merging between the two countries and Bhupen Hazarika has become the symbol of the cultural merger.

Various artistes of Bangladesh and Assam like Am Sakil, Bulbul islam,Dilbahar Khan, Rupam Bhuyan, Megranjali Medhi, Moromi Medhi, Simanta Sekhar, Kolkata-based folk band Doha etc., showcased music and dance performances and workshops on Hazarika’s music vision. Singing with 30 trainees was done on the occasion of the two-day celebration of the maestro’s 90th birth anniversary at Shilpakala Academy in Bangladesh on September 7 and 8. The programme was iugurated by Cultural Minister of Bangladesh Assadujjaman Nur, and Foreign Minister Sahariyar Alam was the special guest on the occasion. The programme was presided over by Shilpakala Academy General Mager Liaqat Ali Lucky. The other guests included intellectuals from Assam.

The two-day programme in Bangladesh was organized, without any support from the Assam Government, by Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust, Byatikram Mass Awareness and Social Development Organisation, Friends of Bangladesh (Assam and Bangladesh chapter), along with the Cultural Department of Bangladesh.