Folk festival 2004 begins at Sonargaon

The festival is being held to promote the glorious folk culture and heritage.

"Music, literature and folk culture form a part of our life. The real development of a nation takes place when it upholds its own culture and tradition alongside the efforts to develop industry and commerce," said Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman while inaugurating the three-week long festival.

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Sheetal pati of Sylhet, Nokshi Kantha of Chapainawabganj, Shatranji of Rangpur, wooden doll of Sonargaon, Jamdani saree and many other handicrafts have been put on display at 150 stalls in the fair that will remain open from 9.00am to 11.00pm daily.

Various cultural programmes will be held each day. The programmes include Palagan, Baul song, Gambhira, songs of Hasan Raja, Lalongiti, Bhatiali songs, Garo dance and Puthi Path.

Traditional games such as Lathi Khela and kite-flying will also be held.

Once Narayanganj was famous for its Maslin saree and Sonargaon stands testimony to history, the finance minister said and called for preserving the history and tradition of Sonargaon.

He also assured that necessary support would be provided to protect the tradition of Sonargan.

Stressing the need for women education, Saifur Rahman said women's participation in the mainstream of the economy is a must for development.

From next year degree level education would be free for women, he said, adding that stipend would also be given for their advancement.

The finance minister said industries and housing projects were eating up farmlands in rural areas, leading to shortage in foodgrain supply.

He also assured that steps would be taken to supply gas to Narayanganj and install digital telephone exchange.

Organised by the Bangladesh Lok and Karushilpa Foundation, the function was attended by State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Prof. MD Rezaul Karim as special guest. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Begum Selima Rahman presided.

Ataur Rahman Angur MP, secretary to the ministry for cultural affairs Modabbir Hossain Chowdhurry and Director of Bangladesh Lok and Karushilpa Foundation Ahmed Musa also spoke.