Bangladesh: Tagore’s birth anniversary celebrated across the country

The 161st birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was celebrated across Bangladesh on Sunday with programmes, events, discussions, and art exhibitions being organised at several places. The birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore is celebrated in Bangladesh according to the Bangla Calendar. Tagore was born on 25th of Baishakh in Bangla year 1268 in Kolkata.
Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury inaugurated the main programme at Shilaidaha Rabindra Kuthibari in Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia district. The theme of this year’s programme was ‘Crisis of Humanity and Rabindranath’. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid chaired the programme. Renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya presented songs at the event, reports the official news agency BSS.
Speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion, Speaker Dr. Shirin said that the world has to learn a lot from Tagore in this era of globalisation, unrest, war and injustice. She said Rabindranath Tagore was mesmerised by the beauty of Bangladesh and composed the song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’. 
In the capital city Dhaka, several programmes were organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Vishwakavi Tagore. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy started its three-day programme with a discussion and presentation of songs and music. It has organised an exhibition of Tagores’ artwork which will be on display till 22 May. It is also organising events at five places across Bangladesh associated with the memory of Rabindranath Tagore. 
Cultural organisation Chhayanaut organised a music programme with a rendering of Rabindra Sangeet in its auditorium in Dhanmondi area of Dhaka. It was attended by a large number of common people.
Cultural functions, discussions, essay writing and poem recitation competitions were held by all educational institutions across the country, including the capital, to celebrate the anniversary.