Bangladesh Abriti Shamannoy Parisad (BASP) in collaboration with BSA arranged the three daylong festival. Photo: Golam MahbubWith the theme "Abhoy Bajey, Hridoy Majhey", Waheedul Haque Jatiyo Shishu Abriti Utshab 2011 (National Recitation Festival for Children in Memory of Waheedul Haque) ended yesterday at National Art Gallery Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Bangladesh Abriti Shamannoy Parisad (BASP) in collaboration with BSA arranged the three daylong festival.
State Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, inaugurated the festival as the chief guest on April 7. Aside from speech by the chief guest, director general of BSA Kamal Lohani as a special guest and general secretary of BASP Ahkam Ullah also spoke on the occasion. President of BASP Asaduzzaman Noor MP presided over the inaugural session. Twelve troupes from Dhaka staged their productions on the inaugural day.
On the second day (April 8) of the festival, Dr. Pabitra Sarkar, former Vice Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, West Bengal, India, inaugurated a procession.
Young members of 21 recitation troupes from across the country staged their productions on the second day of the festival. Titas Abriti Shangathon, Brahmanbaria; Sandhan Little Theatre, Dhaka; Banolata Abriti Chorcha Kendra, Jhenidah; Kanon Children's Theatre, Dhaka; Kanthabithi, Magura; Shabda Abriti Chorcha Kendra, Mymensingh; Sonar Tori, Tangail; Kingbadonti Abriti Parisad, Khulna; Rajshahi Abriti Parisad; Proma Abriti Shangathon, Chittagong; Shilpabritto, Dhaka; Dhaka Swarkalpan; Anuranon Abriti Chorcha Kendra, Feni and other troupes presented recitation zooming in on patriotism, Liberation War, contemporary social issues and amusing compilations for children.
General Secretary of Sammilito Shangskritk Jote Hasan Arif read out an essay, titled "Waheedul Haque: Muktijuddher Chetona O Abritir Notun Projonmo", on the concluding day. Istekbal Hossain, Golam Sarwar and Abdus Selim Chowdhury participated in a discussion. Reciters of eight troupes from different districts staged their productions at the venue.
Madhura Kingkini Roopkatha, Abiba Imam Dyuti, Amiya Amanita, Tabitha Rosario Joyee, Nabila Sarah and Oikyo Shams Roud hosted the festival.
