Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu, from Shahzadpur
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Prime minister Sheikh Hasina termed Rabindranath the poet of the humane soul, as she inaugurated the three-day Rabindra festival at the Shahzadpur Pilot School in Sirajganj on Friday morning, marking the 154th birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate poet. 

Earlier, the prime minister laid foundation stone for Rabindra University. 

Chaired by cultural minister Asaduzzaman Noor, the prime minister spoke as the chief guest of the festival, where she focused the humane role of Rabindranath Tagore. “Tagore loved his people. Being a Zamindar, he focused the sorrows of the people. He came forward to remove the trouble of his people,” The prime minister said. 

Tagore himself introduced banking for the farmers, donating his entire amount of Nobel Prize, the PM said, adding that the poet assisted poor farmers in this region contributing huge land for the cattle farmers. 

“Tagore was a revolutionist, so he could leave the Knighthood of the British emperor. As a result of Tagore's feelings for the people and the contribution for the Bangalis, Bangabandhu selected 'Amar Sonar Bangla' as national anthem,” the PM said. 

Among others, health minister Mohammed Nasim, education minister Nurul Islam Nahid, lawmaker Hasibur Rahman Shopon and cultural affairs secretary Aktary Momtaz spoke on the occasion. 

Later, artistes performed in a cultural programme. 

AMINUL ISLAM, Mymensingh
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Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilon Parishad (JRSSP) Mymensingh unit organized a programme at Shaheeb Quarter Park's Bosihakhi Mancha yesterday, marking the 154th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the greatest bard of Bangla Literature.

The programme included cultural programme and a discussion.

The musical soiree began with Tagore song “Hey Notun Dekha Dik Aarek Bar” and concluded with rendition of “Oi Mohamanob Ashe Dike Dike”.

Mamunul Islam, Tapoti Roy, Kolpana Sarker, Rownak Mustafa, Anik Sarker, Mahfuzur Rahman, Samudra Probal performed at the cultural show, among others. 

Dance sequences marking the occasion also enthralled the huge audience gathered at the venue.

Poets Rubina Azad, Amjad Dulon and Aurnob Das participated in a poetry recitation programme.

Earlier, a discussion was held with Prof. Dr. Monjurul Alam of Bangladesh Agricultural University and president of JRSSP, in the chair.

The speakers were of the view that the practice of Tagore in every sphere of life can make the society more congenial for people belonging to different caste, creed and religions, the speakers concluded.

Performances at the cultural progammes in Mymensingh (top) and Barisal.

Sushanta Ghosh, Barisal
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The 154th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore was observed in Barisal city on Friday, showing deep respect to the great poet of Bengali language and literature, and calling for proper exercise of the creations and ideals of the poet.

Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilon Parishad organized a daylong programme including Provatee Rabi Bondona, cultural function, recitation and dance competition at Amrita Lal Dey College premises from the morning. 

Prof. Ziaul Haque, chairman of Barisal Education Board, inaugurated the event. 

Different educational and cultural institutions and cultural organizations, including SCGM School, Udichi,   Barisal Natak Abriti Proshikkhan Kendra, Kheyali and Shabdaboli Group Theatre, Nattyam, Prantik, Tansen participated in the programme, that included songs, poems, dances and dramas of Tagore, discussions and poem and dance competitions.

The speakers and participants of the programs said Rabindranath was an extraordinary talent and would inspire the new generations' years after years.

They also stressed on research and study on writings and philosophy of Tagore for building a non-communal, intellectually enlightened, cultured, progressive, open and broad-minded humanist nation.