It was not an ordinary inaugural ceremony of tree plantation.

The programme 'Tree Plantation Festival' was rather a dream of late Wahidul Haque, eminent music maestro and journalist not only of Bangladesh, but also of the sub-continent.

Tree plantation at his own village Bhawal Monoharia in Keraniganj was just a symbol of his love for nature and aspiration for a world free from all sorts of evils.

"We want that the sense of beauty, justice and knowledge as cherished by Wahidul Haque flows from life to life," said architect Rabiul Hussain at the inaugural ceremony of the tree plantation on Ati Bhawal High School premises yesterday.

Wahidul Haque Karmaparampara (an organisation to continue the dream of Wahidul Haque) and its sister concern Soroj Sangskriti Britta in cooperation with Rupayan Housing organised the programme that will continue for a week.

Following a brief discussion and cultural show, a colourful procession was brought out where singers sang Tagore songs, musicians played instruments and dancers danced making it an off-track scene in the village.

With colourful festoons and banners, the procession was

participated by, among others, the joyous singers and dancers of Chhayanautand Suratirtha.

"It is delightful to see. I am very happy that such a famous personality was born here. Many popular figures including singers, musicians and dancers are here today. I feel encouraged," said Shamsunnahar Sathi, a class IX student of Ati Bhawal High School.

" With my humble ability I will cooperate as far as possible to materialise his (Wahidul Haque) dream. If necessary, I will extend my hand for financial assistance," said Bachchu Mia, a local farmer, after planting a sapling at the school ground.

"He was a famous man and did good to others," said the farmer as journalists asked him what he knows about Wahidul Haque.

"We should follow him," he added.

Reminiscing memories of Wahidul Haque, noted cultural activist Aly Zaker said he was one of those few who initiated movement for Bengali culture in the then East Pakistan.

"Wahidul Haque had vast knowledge in every field, from culture and literature to medicine and molecular biology, said Zaker, adding, "He loved trees so much that he knew names of almost all trees."

"Wahidul Haque actually educated us. I would not be here where I am now if I were not able to have his company," Zaker told the journalists,

adding, "We want his ideas and thirst for knowledge be implanted in the minds of our children."

Wahidul Haque is a name in the renaissance of Bangalees, said economistAtiur Rahman.

His creative works, songs and scientific thoughts for a peaceful Bangladesh are unique, he added.

Convener of Soroj Sangskriti Britta and an exponent of Tagore song Mita Haque said from now on her organisation will hold music classes twice a week at Ati Bhawal High School.

"Wahidul Haque was a Bangalee in his heart and soul, and always wanted others to be fully Bangalee with their heads high," she added.

Wahidul Haque's brother Enamul Haque, who chaired the discussion, said they will establish a complex spanning over two bighas of land in this village that will be a centre of excellence in the field of culture, literature and science.

"The land, donated by Wahidul Haque's daughter Prof Apala Farhat Naved, will become a venue of reunion for those who search truth and beauty," he added.

Artist Emdad Hossain, Journalists Abdul Jalil Bhuyian and Abul Hasnat, Convener of Wahidul Haque Karmaparampara Prof Apala Farhat Naved, Singer Fahmida Khatun, local union parishad Chairman Shahabuddin and a local leader Nuruddin also spoke on the occasion.