Chittagong residents were treated to a book exhibition and a concert yesterday as part of the “Boat technology and culture in Chittagong and Bengal” festival.
Jointly hosted by The Daily Star and Alliance Française de Chittagong, the event is a sequel to The Daily Star-Odommo Chattagram festival, organised last year to promote the rich history, culture, heritage and economic prospects of Chittagong.
In the exhibition at Bishod Bangla in the city’s Mehedibagh, 30 books, 19 DVDs and some photographs were on display. Some fishing gears and boat accessories were also exhibited.
Bishod Bangla is working to uphold and nurture Bangladeshi culture. Its director Alam Khorshed said, “Ours is a country of rivers which enrich our heritage.”
“In many ways rivers are being polluted. To protect the rivers from pollution, we need to create awareness among the younger generation. Only they can save the water bodies,” he observed.
At 6:00pm, the cultural programme was held on the open stage at Zilla Shilpakala Academy. Abdul Gafur Hali performed Chittagonian songs with his troupe.
Hali said, “Chittagong is a rich area with its own language, culture, heritage and tradition…. For every Chittagonian, this is the right time to raise their voice to protect and preserve its heritage.”
At the programme, 27 songs about boat and river, including Tora Kon Kon Zabi and Karnaphuli Nodir Agat, were sung.
-With The Daily Star input
