“The only Bengali Nobel laureate in literature, Rabindranath Tagore, does not get his due respect in the government level, though he is the lyricist and composer of our national anthem. Only his death and birth anniversaries are celebrated through 'run of the mill programmes' at the national level. However, so far no institutional initiative has been taken by the government," complained Dr. Nurul Anwar, one of the discussants at the programme observing Rabindranath Tagore's 67th death anniversary at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

BSA organised the programme at the Dance and Music Centre on August 6.

M. Sharful Alam, secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was the chief guest and theatre personality Ramendu Majumdar was the special guest at the programme. The discussion was presided over by Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, director general of BSA.

Discussing the multifaceted talent of Tagore, discussants at the programme focused on his contribution to our culture and agriculture based economics. Moreover, they also analysed the relevance of Tagore's works in the

contemporary society.

The chief guest admitted certain limitations but objected to Dr Anwar's complaint that Tagore did not get his due respect at the government level.

The discussion was followed by a cultural programme in which leading artistes of the country presented music, dance and recitation.

The programme started with a group dance performance based on Tagore's poem Maron re tuhu momo Shyamo saman. directed by Deepa Khandokar.

Presentation of Ajit Roy's Tomari ruiam balbo and Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya's Nibiroghano andhare were the highlights of the programme. Seasoned Tagore singer Roy enthralled the audience by his soulful presentation of the song.

Other singers performing at the programme included Rokaiya Hasina, MahadevGhosh and Rebeka Sultana.

Shafi Kamal, Shahadat Hossain Nipu and Naila Tarannum Kakoli recited Tagore's poems.

song Jokhon porbe na mor payer chinho.

Due to the delay in starting the programme, renowned Tagore singer Sadi Mohammad left without performing.