A commemorative programme marking the 25th anniversary of filmmaker Kawsar Chowdhury’s documentary ‘Shei Raater Kotha Bolte Eshechhi’ (Tale of the Darkest Night) was held on Tuesday, March 31, afternoon at the Bengal Shilpalay auditorium.
The event was attended by Liberation War Museum trustee, Chhayanaut president and cultural figure Sarwar Ali as chief guest. Special guests included Bengal Foundation Director General Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Meghna Guhathakurta, and Prothom Alo executive editor Sazzad Sharif.
Students from film, journalism and fine arts departments across four institutions also shared reflections on the documentary and its continued relevance.
The film opens with a candlelight procession held on March 25, 1993, led by Jahanara Imam. Participants marched from the Central Shaheed Minar to Jagannath Hall, commemorating the victims of the genocide carried out on the night of March 25, 1971, during Operation Searchlight.
Produced by Promiti Prova Shrutilokon Kendra and jointly organised with the Bengal Foundation, the event featured a special screening and the launch of a commemorative publication.
The documentary, first premiered in 2001 after eight years in production, continues to resonate with audiences through its eyewitness accounts and portrayal of loss.
Speakers highlighted the importance of preserving and presenting the history of the Liberation War to younger generations. Sarwar Ali emphasised the responsibility of those with lived memory to pass on accurate narratives, warning against attempts to distort the history of 1971.
Meghna Guhathakurta also noted ongoing efforts to misrepresent the events of March 25 and stressed the need for international recognition of the genocide.
Reflecting on the documentary’s impact, Sazzad Sharif called for more such works and encouraged younger filmmakers to engage with the country’s history.
The programme concluded with remarks from Kawsar Chowdhury, who underscored the sacrifices of 1971 and urged continued respect for the nation’s history and identity.
