Pabna on Saturday paid tribute to two of its most celebrated cultural figures, marking the 12th death anniversary of legendary film actress Suchitra Sen and the 120th birth anniversary of children’s poet Bande Ali Mia through separate programmes held in the town.
The observance began at 11am at Suchitra Sen’s ancestral home on Hemsagar Lane in the town, where members of the Suchitra Sen Smriti Sangrakshan Parishad placed floral wreaths at the sculpture installed at the memorial museum.
A discussion followed, recalling the life and legacy of the iconic actress, a native of Pabna, whose contribution to Bengali cinema continues to inspire generations.
The meeting was chaired by Suchitra Sen Smriti Sangrakshan Parishad Acting President Dr Ram Dulal Bhawmik.
Among the speakers were former Pabna Press Club President and executive member of the parishad, ABM Fazlur Rahman, Purnima Islam, Treasurer Dr Habibullah, adviser Agriculturist Jafar Sadek, Vice-President Faridul Islam Khokon, Office Secretary Shishir Islam and executive member Mamun Sabbir.
Others present included Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Panna Biswas, Pabna Ganosilpi Sangathan representative Simanta, cultural activist Hasan Mahmud and Biplab Bhawmik, among others.
Speakers at the remembrance meeting expressed frustration that, despite the recovery of Suchitra Sen’s ancestral home years ago, no meaningful progress has been made in establishing a full-fledged memorial museum there.
They said the initiative has gradually lost momentum and urged the authorities to transform the house into an international-standard Suchitra Sen memorial museum without further delay.
Separately, the 120th birth anniversary of Pabna-born children’s poet Bande Ali Mia was observed at Radhanagar in the town, where wreaths were laid at the poet’s grave beside Kabikunja.
Leaders of the Bande Ali Mia Smaran Parishad, family members and admirers offered prayers and took part in a grave visitation to pay tribute to the poet’s enduring literary legacy.
