A weeklong ‘Bijoy Utshab’ (Victory celebration), titled ‘Manobadhikar Dibosh Thekey Bijoy Dibosh’ (From Human Rights Day to Victory Day) is on at the Liberation War Museum (LWM) premises in Dhaka. The festival opened on December 10 and will continue till Victory Day (December 16). One of the trustees of LWM, Mafidul Haque, delivered a welcome speech on the opening day. On the second day (December 11) of the festival, Ziauddin Tarik Ali, a trustee of LWM, spoke at the programme. Sally Willoughby, who expressed her solidarity with the people of this land through organising movements in support of Bangladesh during the Liberation War, shared her experiences at the programme. Sally Willoughby is one of those who played a significant role in generating public awareness against arms shipment from USA to Pakistan while genocide was on in Bangladesh. Sally and her group blocked Pakistani cargo freighter SS PADMA from docking at Baltimore port. Sally and the others were arrested and had to spend a night in jail. She also joined others, camping out in Washington DC (across White House) for weeks.
A spirited cultural event followed the programme. Artistes of Dhaka Swarkalpan presented their recitation production “Megh Jomechhey Akash Jurey”. Students of Hurdco International School and Central Women’s College also participated in the cultural function. Artistes of Satyen Sen Shilpi Goshthi performed choral songs, written and directed by Liza Asma. Members of Natyadhara staged their street theatre production “Abaro Bangladesh”.
Today’s (December 13) cultural programme at the festival will include group recitation presentation by the artistes of Muktodhara Abriti Chorcha Kendra, a performance by students of Bir Sreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf School and College, Baul songs by Jalal Dewan and his troupe etc.
-With The Daily Star input
