Banglalink extends patronage
Bhawaiya songs have been an integral part of the culture of Rangpur division from time immemorial. People from the region are deeply attached to the dialectic genre that is coupled with moving music.
With the passage of time, Bhawaiya has become more exquisite and refined. Artistes of repute such as Abbasuddin, Harolal Roy, Mahesh Chandra and Kachim Uddin have enriched Bhawaiya with their melodious renditions.
Even today there is a great deal of talent in the region. However, due to the absence of patronage, cultural organisations in the region have not flourished.
This is where Banglalink comes in, says seasoned Bhawaiya artiste of Rangpur, Sirajul Islam. “For the second time the mobile phone operator has extended patronage for the Bhawaiya Festival in Rangpur,” points out Islam.
Chief guest Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), inaugurated the three-day Bhawaiya Festival, sponsored by Banglalink and organised by Sound Touch last Thursday evening at Rangpur Central Shaheed Minar premises.
The festival was inaugurated with a rally in the town, followed by a Bhawaiya competition.
Among others, secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tajul Islam Chowdhury; renowned singer and researcher Mustafa Zaman Abbasi; noted Bhawaiya artiste of Rangpur, Sirajul Islam; RD, Bangladesh Betar, Rangpur, Sayed Mostafa Zaman; GS, Sound Touch, Moksuder Rahman Mukul and Shibli Sadik, Liaison officer of Banglalink were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Banglalink Bhawaiya Festival in Rangpur incorporated a Bhawaiya competition, discussion, and presentation of Bhawaiya songs by veteran artistes from eight districts, under Rangpur division.
A sizeable number of Bhawaiya artistes from Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Thakurgoan and Panchagarh signed up to participate in the competition.
Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, chairman of National Human Rights Commission, said, “I am very glad to participate in such a superb traditional music festival. We have enough talent but without adequate patronage they are nipped in the bud.”
He said that Banglalink deserves praise for extending patronage to cultural organisations to ferret out talent in the cultural field.
Shibli Sadik, liaison officer of Banglalink said, “We believe that the festival will encourage everyone, especially children, to develop their talents and become leading Bhawaiya artistes.”
-With The Daily Star input
