44th Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan to begin at Shilpakala Academy

The 44th Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan will be held on April 10 and 11 at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Organised by Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad. The organisers announced at a press briefing in Dhaka.

The event will be inaugurated by prominent essayist Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury, while veteran theatre personality Ferdousi Mazumdar will attend as chief guest. Eminent scholar Professor Syed Akram Hossain will be honoured with the Rabindra Padak.

More than 700 artistes, cultural activists and organisers from across the country are expected to participate in the two-day event, supported by multiple organisations including Channel i and Pubali Bank.

The programme will begin on April 10 with the opening song "Ami Marer Sagor Pari Debo". Selection rounds for the national Rabindra Sangeet competition will take place on April 9 in Dhaka, followed by final rounds for junior and general categories on April 10 across two stages.

Evening sessions on both days will feature performances, recitations, dance and musical presentations. A seminar titled “Institutional Education and Music in Schools” will be held on the second day, chaired by Parishad president Mofidul Hoque, with participation from academics and cultural figures including Krishtee Hefaz, Santosh Dhali, Ferdous Ara Lipi and Swatantra Bulbul.

The event will also showcase the organisation’s activities and mark the publication of "Sangeet Sanskriti", an anthology of essays exploring various aspects of Rabindranath Tagore’s work.

Founded in 1979 as the Zahidur Rahim Memorial Council, the organisation later adopted its current name to reflect a broader national cultural mission. It continues to organise the Zahidur Rahim Memorial Award to honour contributions to Rabindra Sangeet.

Speakers at the press event highlighted the importance of cultural unity in challenging times, stressing the role of music, education and the arts in fostering human connection and resilience.

The written statement at the briefing was presented by general secretary Lily Islam. Others present included vice-president Dr Sarwar Ali, executive president Bulbul Islam, vice-president Aminul Haque Babul, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, and members of the executive committee.