‘22nd Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi National Conference’ begins

The "22nd Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi National Conference" began yesterday at the capital's Mohanagor Natyo Mancha.

The three-day event kicked off with the national anthem and Udichi's very own organisational song 'Udichi Amon E Ek Ayna'. The artistes of Udichi greeted the audience with two melodious cultural songs, paying a tribute to Bangali folk culture.

Sammilito Sangskritik Jote President Golam Kuddus, noted author Zafar Iqbal, renowned thespian, director, and playwright Mamunur Rashid, and professor Syed Manzoorul Islam were present at the event, among others.

The event began with a discussion. The opening remarks was delivered by Munshiganj Sadar Upazila's Binodpur Ramkumar High School's science teacher Hridoy Chandra Mandal.

"When they took me away I felt that we have lost our voice," says Hridoy Chandra Mandol. "But Udichi stood up for the injustice that happened to me. They fought for me and now I stand here before everyone because of them."

Hridoy was recently arrested in March 2022 for 'hurting religious sentiments' during a classroom conversation between science and religion. "To me, religion is a place of faith, whereas science is a place of facts, research, and discovery," adds the teacher.

"The freedom fighters fought for a 'Sonar Bangla' that left behind class constraints," says the general secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan. "We dreamed of a socialist society where our rights are ensured – same rights that our oppressors took away during the liberation war."

Celebrated author Zafar Iqbal spoke on the role literature plays to build a well-educated society. "Regardless of your financial status, rich or poor, everyone should be able to enjoy our Bangla literature and culture," he shares. "Udichi is doing just that and we should all be thankful to them for that."

Golam Kuddus, Mamunur Rashid, and Syed Manzoorul Islam also applauded Udichi's efforts in preserving the culture and traditions of Bangladesh. Former president of Udichi central committee Golam Mohammad Edu and president of Udichi central committee Dr Shafiuddin Ahmed amongst others also shares their views in this regard.

The discussion was followed by a rally. Following the rally, a cultural session was organised.  The cultural segment began with the play "Nodi Nodi Rokte Lekha Sompriti Sammer Gaan, Purno Shonbidhan" written Shankar Shawjal and performed by the Udichi artistes.

Musical performances and dance recitals were also organised at the event.