Dhaka: The 163rd birth anniversary of the legendary Bengali musician and multi-instrumentalist Ustad Alauddin Khan was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Historical Lalbagh Fort in the capital. The event, organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, was part of an effort to honor renowned Bangladeshi figures.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the celebration titled 'Celebrating Bangladeshi Legends' was inaugurated with a video message from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. In his message, Yunus highlighted the significance of commemorating Ustad Alauddin Khan, who enriched the Rag-based classical music of the Indian subcontinent and popularized it among a diverse audience.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, along with Syeda Rizwana Hasan from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Adilur Rahman Khan from the Housing and Public Works Ministry, delivered welcome speeches. Adviser Farooki emphasized the importance of commemorating cultural personalities and mentioned ongoing initiatives to host events at historic and archaeological sites.
Adviser Adilur Rahman addressed the struggle of the Palestinian people, calling for the release of detained individuals, including Bangladeshi human rights activists Shahidul Alam and Ruhi Akter. Rizwana Hasan expressed hope for a free Palestine and acknowledged the resilience of the Palestinian people.
The event featured performances by Pandit Asit Dey and teachers and students of Bengal Parampara Sangeetalaya, showcasing instruments like Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar, Esraj, and Sarod. Notable performers included Abhijit Kundu, Prashanta Bhowmik, Fahmida Naznin, Shukla Halder, Niloy Halder, Isra Fuljhuri Khan, Ilham Fuljhuri Khan, Sohini Majumdar, and Mohammad Kawchar. Descendants of Ustad Alauddin Khan, Afsana Khan, and Rukhsana Khan, also performed, with a concluding performance by his great-grandson Siraz Ali Khan and Archik Banerjee.