Humayun Azad recalled through recitation

To pay homage to Humayun Azad, one of the most intrepid writers of the country, a programme featuring recitation was held in the port city last Friday.

In observance of the 7th death anniversary of the writer, Proma Abriti Sangathan — a leading cultural organisation working on elocution and recitation in the city — hosted the event at District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The programme started with an introductory speech by noted elocutionist Rashed Hasan, also the president of Proma.

“Humayun Azad remains a symbol of bold protest against communalism, religious bigotry and political double standards, and a source of inspiration for generations,” Rashed said.

Artistes of Proma presented a group performance, “Shob kichhu noshto der adhikare jabey”, scripted and directed by Rashed Hasan.

Twenty-two poems and excerpts from prose of Humayun Azad were included in the script.

The over one-hour long performance featuring solo, duet and group recitation seemingly moved the audience.

The performance also addressed how Azad was attacked by fundamentalists for his fearless creation “Pak Sar Zamin Shad Bad’. Through slogans, physical expressions and vibrant elocution, the artistes enacted the background of the attack on Azad.

Among the performers, Kankon Das, Jerin Mili, Biswajit Paul and Tajul Islam received applause from the audience. However, some group recitations were marred by a defective sound system.

Digital screening of Azad’s works, soft light on the stage and background, apt music produced a solemn environment in the auditorium.

Cultural officer of Shilpakala Academy, Moslemuddin Shikdar, designed the light. Poritosh Das, Aslam Hossain and Mahfuz Ahmed directed the background music of the performance.

The event ended with a group recitation of “Bhalo theko phool mishti bokul”.

Pranabesh Chakraborty, Daily star

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