Feature

'Kabar' staged by the IER,
DU Students

Feeda Hasan Shahed

INSTITUTE of Education and Research (IER), Dhaka University arranged a discussion followed by a cultural programme at the department on March 27 on the occasion of the Independence Day.

The cultural programme began with Sajia Hossain Proiti rendering the patriotic song Ekti Bangladesh. Abu Nayeem Mohammad Salahuddin, lecturer, IER recited Rudra Mahammad Shahidullah's poem Batashey Lasher Gondho. A chorus rendition of the song Takdum takdum bajey Bangladesher dhol and other performances by the students followed.

After a short break for the evening prayer, the play Kabar was staged. This frequently-staged play written by Munir Chowdhury - one of the most talented playwrights in the country who was abducted in 1971 - was the highlight of the event

The students of IER staged the Munir Chowdhury play Kabor at the program. Happy, Zihad, Sourav and Atoshi played the characters, Neta, Hafiz, Guard, and Fakir. The two young talents Rahmani and Fardeen of Drama and Music Department of Dhaka University directed the drama. The drama was co-ordinated by Ariful Haq Kabir, lecturer of IER. Arif, Rezwan, Joy, Sajjad, Nisho, Nazrul, Samia, Sagir and many others were the satge assistants.

Speaking on the performance Mr. Ariful Haq Kabir mentioned that it was a challenge for the IER students because they had no past experience on staging a drama and they made an excellent display on stage. He showed gratitude to Professor Dr. Iqbal Aziz Muttaki, director of IER for the program. On the background of the show, he said that IER made a co-curricular committee to arrange programs on special days in national level. Taking this into account, IER first performed a little programme on 21st February on International Mother Language Day. On 2nd march they arranged a programme on poster display. Viewing the enormous interest of the students Selina Hussain and Sonia Nishat Amin, Professor of the History department set prizes for the students. After the two successful programmes, the students wanted to arrange a bigger program and started their rehearsal for the Independence Day programme.

Human Rights activist Khushi Kabir was the chief guest at the discussion. Professor Dr. Iqbal Aziz Muttaki, director of IER, presided over the programme. Dr. M Wahiduzzaman, assistant professor, IER and chairman of Co-curricular Activities Committee; Abdul Malek, assistant professor and Professor Salma Akhter were present as special guests.

“If we go through the history we will find that the Liberation War is significant not only to us but it also sets a rare example for the entire world,” said Dr. M Wahiduzzaman.

Khushi Kabir said in her speech, “What makes the Liberation War remarkable is the participation of the masses. Directly or indirectly, people from all spheres to the contributed to the struggle of freedom.” Kabir also addressed the need to initiate the trial of the war criminals.

In his speech, Dr Iqbal Aziz Muttaki announced the plan to construct a memorial -- in association with the Institute of Fine Arts -- honouring Professor Faizul Mahi who was arrested by the Pakistani army on December 14, 1971.