Sufia Kamal was the founder president of Chhayanat and held the position till her demise. "Srotar Ashar" was first initiated in 1962 with Sufia Kamal as the president of the organisation. After many years the programme resumed at Chhayanat's own building. From now on the programme will be held on the third Thursday of every month.

Dr. Sanjida Khatun, president of Chhayanat, started the event with songs Sufia Kamal admired --Amar din phuralo, followed by Jodi prem dilena praney and Amar ja achhey.

Anindita Chowdhury, a student of Chhayanat, rendered popular Nazrul songs Aai maru parer haowa, Bulbuli nirob nargis bon-e, Pardeshi megh jaore phire and more.

Mahiuzzaman Chowdhury rendered popular Tagore songs including Tomaye gaan shonabo, Abar eshechhey ashadh and Khelaghar bandhtey eshechhi.

Artiste Iffat Ara Dewan was the last singer of the evening. She rendered Ami bandhilam tomar a song of Atul Prasad and Aji tomaye abar chai shonabarey, Bondhu nid nahi ankhi pat-ey and more.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Bangladesh Mahila Parishad celebrated the 96th birth anniversary of Poet Sufia Kamal with a commemorative speech and a cultural programme on June 20. The programme was held at the BIAM Auditorium. The Parishad also announced the introduction of Sufia Kamal Award to be handed over on Rokeya Dibash on December 9.

At the programme Mita Haque and Iffat Ara Dewan rendered some of Sufia Kamal's favourite Tagore songs -- Amar dukhojagania, Amarey tumi oshesh korechho daan and Aguner poroshmoni chhowao praney. Pragna Laboni and Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay recited poems.

Ayesha Khatun, general secretary of the organisation announced the introduction of yearly Sufia Kamal Award. This year's recipient is researcher Dr. Golam Murshid, she said.

Litterateur Hassan Azizul Haque delivered the commemorative speech titled "Sufia Kamal O Gonotontrer Andolon" (Sufia Kamal and the democratic movement). Activist Hena Das presided over the programme.