A special cultural programme titled Antordah—Smriti Droho Milon, organised by the Gai Banglar Gaan Parishad, was held at the Chhayanaut auditorium in Dhaka on Monday evening, reflecting on social unrest, grief, love, separation and humanity’s enduring resistance to darkness.
The programme featured songs, dance, recitation, flute performances and group music, bringing together different expressions of human emotion, pain and cultural consciousness.
The event opened with a welcome speech by Fazlul Kabir Tuhin, chief organiser of Gai Banglar Gaan Parishad.
He emphasised the profound influence of culture on society and said cultural engagement helps shape people’s intellect, values and humanity.
“Culture has an immense influence on our lives. It develops our intellect, values and sense of humanity. But the intolerance and cultural void surrounding us in recent times inspired us to organise Antordah as a response,” he said.
He added that culture can bring people closer during periods of grief, pain and uncertainty.
“During times of sorrow, pain or unrest, culture can bring people back to one another. Through songs, poetry and dance, we want to awaken that sense of humanity and goodness,” Tuhin said.
He described Antordah as more than a cultural programme, calling it an artistic effort to reconnect people with one another through the light of culture amid social unrest and inner turmoil.
Alok Kumar Das, Yousuf Hasan Arko, Moumita and Amita performed songs at the event. Sabuj, Shanto and Kamrul presented musical Dhrupad, while dance performances were staged by Prantik, Plabanti Iti and Shantana.
Recitations were presented by Shamim and Belayet, alongside a group musical performance.
Topu Das added a flute performance to the programme.
Through a combination of music, poetry, dance and instrumental performances, Antordah became a collective expression of memory, grief, resistance, humanity and cultural consciousness.
The organisers said such cultural initiatives need to continue to nurture positive thinking and human values among people amid the various forms of unrest in society.
