Dhaka: Bangla Academy, established to promote and foster the Bengali language, literature, and culture, celebrated its 69th founding anniversary with elaborate programmes at the academy premises amid much fanfare and enthusiasm. The programme began at 10 am with wreaths placed at Central Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to language movement martyrs and at the grave of linguist Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah, a visionary for the Academy. Earlier, the national flag and Bangla Academy flag were hoisted atop the Academy premises. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a lecture marking the founding anniversary was organized at Bangla Academy's Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharod auditorium at 3 pm, presided over by Bangla Academy president Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq. Cultural ministry adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki addressed the gathering as the chief guest while Bangla Academy Director General Dr. Mohammad Azam delivered a welcome speech. Former Bangla Academy DG Mansur Musa presented the keynote speech titled 'Bangla Gobeshonaloy Sonkranto Bichitra Durbhabona,' conducted by Bangla Academy Deputy Director Sayera Habib. A documentary on the July-August student-led mass uprising was screened at the beginning of the discussion, along with observing a one-minute silence to show profound respect to the eminent academician late Professor Harunur Rashid, former president and director general of the Bangla Academy. Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki highlighted the Academy's significant contributions beyond its well-known book fairs and dictionaries over the past seven decades. Professor Mohammad Azam acknowledged the Academy as central to people's desires and aspirations, noting that it faced challenges from state and party pressure but anticipates working independently following the recent mass uprising. Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq reflected on the Academy's enduring struggles since its inception, including existential challenges within the Pakistani state structure and financial constraints in independent Bangladesh. Despite these challenges, he affirmed the Academy's tireless dedication to Bengali language, literature, and culture over the past seventy years.
