Celebrations for Bangabandhu’s birth centenary, golden jubilee of independence begin

First day of the ten-day celebratory programme to mark 50 years of Bangladesh's independence and the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman commenced today in the capital's National Parade Square. Each day of the celebrations will be based on a theme and today's theme was, "Bhengechhe Duar, Eshechche Jyotirmoy". The programme was comprised of theatrical performances showcasing slice of life depiction of Bangabandhu's youth, as well as poetry recitations, songs and dances by local and international artistes.

Renowned artistes Sadi Mohammad, Shimul Yousuf, Rafiqul Alam, Syed Abdul Hadi, and Rezwana Choudhury Bannya took over the stage with songs such as "O Amar Desher Mati", "Shob Lokey Koy Lalon Ki Jaat", "Dhono Dhanno Pushpe Bhora", and "Akla Cholo Re" among others. All five of them sang "Shuno Ekti Mujiborer Theke" together. The entire musical performance was reinforced by numerous artistes putting on an orchestral show. The orchestral team was led by Indian music director Debojyoti Mishra. 

A tribute to Bangladesh by India was presented by the Mamata Shankar Dance Company. Mamata Shankar was accompanied by her team of dancers, as they performed to a few songs, celebrating the camaraderie of Bangladesh and India over the years. Mamata's team danced to Rabindranath Tagore's "Banglar Mati Banglar Jol" and "Alor Amolo Komolo" along with "Dhitang Dhitang Bole". They also performed to "Shuno Ekti Mujiborer Theke", as a tribute to Bangladesh. Chandrodoy Ghosh, Director, Mamata Shankar Dance Company, emceed this segment. 

The theatrical performances were based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It started off with the depiction of the dark times following World War I in 1920, when Mujib was born on the 17th of March. During his birth, the Indian subcontinent was met with nothing but injustice, scarcity, and domination, while the citizens cried in fear, hunger and dearth. Starting from Bangabandhu's encounter with former Prime Minister of Bengal Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy to his time in Baker Govt. Hostel located in Smith Lane Kolkata, the performance featured it all.

President Abdul Hamid, his wife Rashida Khanam, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the ceremony along with visiting Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his spouse Fazna Ahmed. The programme was mainly hosted by actor Shahadat Hossain, and was aired live on television and social media.

The event came to an end with captivating fireworks, as a group of children released hundreds of balloons into the sky, while "Tumi Banglar Dhrubotara" played in the background.

The author is a freelance journalist.