Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy recalls Abbas Uddin and Uday Shankar

Entertainment Desk :
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
(BSA) organised a discussion and
cultural programme titled ‘Smriti
Swotta Bhobisshyot’, in commemoration of the esteemed folk artist Abbas
Uddin Ahmed and renowned dance artiste Uday Shankar at its
National Music and Dance Centre
on Monday, said a press release.
The event began with a poignant
article about Abbas Uddin Ahmed, read by an associate professor from Dhaka University’s Music Department Dr Sayeem Rana and Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs
Rajeeb Kumar Sarkar shared their insights as discussants.
Sharmin Abbasi, the daughter-in-law of artiste Abbas Uddin, took the
podium as a speaker and highlighted his pioneering role in defying the prevailing norms of the forties. She emphasised his unwavering support for secularism and his opposition to those who propagated falsehoods in the name of religion. As a member of Abbas Uddin’s family, she expressed the importance of preserving and researching the songs from rural villages to prevent their neglect amidst technological advancements.
Liaquat Ali Lucky, Director General
of the BSA, highlighted on the Academy’s diverse endeavors in collecting and preserving folk music. He said, “Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy had recently initiated the recording of over 600 folk songs from the Haor area
of Kishoreganj. These songs will be archived for posterity. We understand the significance of Abbas Uddin’s legacy and need to pass it on to future generations by creating comprehensive
documentation on Abbas Uddin and distributing it across various districts.”
Salahuddin Ahmed, the Secretary of the BSA, delivered a speech on behalf
of the president. Following this, Susmita Debnath Suchi, Abdullah Al Rafi, Hirak Sardar, Roksana Akhtar Rupsa, and Biman Chandra Biswas paid musical tributes to artiste Abbas Uddin Ahmed through their performances.
The event then shifted its focus to honouring the memory of Uday Shankar, the eminent dancer. Mohammad Altaf Hossain, Additional Secretary to the State Minister of the Ministry of Culture, and renowned dancer Amanul Haque shared their
perspectives during the discussion segment. Nigar Chowdhury presented the main article on Uday Shankar.
Following the engaging discussions, the audience was treated to a captivating cultural programme. Sweety Das, Sudeshna Swayamprabha, and dancers from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy delivered mesmerising dance performances to commemorate the
brilliance of Uday Shankar.