Shilpakala Academy honours Syed Abdul Hadi with special tribute

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has presented a special honorary award to veteran musician Syed Abdul Hadi, said a press release.

The honour was handed over to Syed Hadi by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam on Friday evening at the National Theatre Hall of the BSA in the capital.

The event, titled ‘Timeless Voice: Syed Abdul Hadi in Respect and Love,’ was sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

After receiving the honorary memento, Syed Abdul Hadi expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the BSA.

He said, “At the same time, I must say one thing. I have been deeply immersed in everyone’s generous praise, and I also feel a bit embarrassed.

This is because I do not consider myself that deserving. The kind of praise you have expressed about me-what can I offer in return? I really have little to give.”

Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Zahed Ur Rahman, also spoke on the occasion.

The programme was presided over by Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Kaniz Mawla.

Among others who spoke were Helal Khan, convener of Jatiyatabadi Samajik O Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), and Rezauddin Stalin, Director General of the BSA. Also present was Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Secretary of the BSA.

At the beginning of the programme, a documentary was screened highlighting Syed Abdul Hadi’s long musical career, work, and contributions.

Later, Abida Sultana, Foad Nasser Babu, Maksud Jamil Mintu, Monir Khan, and Rumana Islam spoke about Syed Abdul Hadi through video messages.

In the final segment of the programme, two of Syed Abdul Hadi’s widely popular songs, ‘Aachen Amar Moktar’ and ‘Surjodoye Tumi, Surjasteo Tumi,’ were performed in chorus.

The entire auditorium was then filled with music, expressing admiration and love for the artiste.