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SSJ opens ‘Amar Ekushey’ commemorative programmes

Mainul Hassan
To observe Amar Ekushey’ (February 21), Sammilito Sanskritik Jote (SSJ) -- a platform for cultural organisations -- has launched special programmes at Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka Uni versity campus. The event opened on February 8. National Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui inaugu-
rated the programme.
Ramendu Majumder, president of ITI Worldwide; cultural personality and member of the parliament Asaduzzaman Noor; M Hamid, chairman, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation; Dr. MD Samad, vice president, Jatiyo Kabita Parishad; Golam Kuddus, general secretary, SSJ; Nasiruddin Yousuff, president. SSJ; Selim Shamsul Huda Chowdhury; Fakir Alamgir, convenor of the programme and Hassan Arif, member secretary of the festival were present at the
inauguration.
This year. SSJ is holding special programmes at two venues - Central Shaheed
Dhaka University campus (February 8-18) and 1 Rabindra Sarobar, Dhanmondi (February 19-21) -- as part of the ’Ekushey’ commemoration. The event aims at generating social awareness through cultural activities. Slogan of this year's programme is "Ekush-er Prerona Aushamprodaik Chetona."
SSJ has been holding
programmes to mark 'Amar .Ekushey' since 1982.
The programme on February' 8 started with placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, accompanied by SSJ leaders and other noted personalities, placed a wreath at the alter of Shaheed Minar. Artistes of Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad, Dhaka unit, rendered the National Anthem.
A one-minute silence was observed in memory oElhe Language Movement* rfiar-tyrs. Members of Jatiyo Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad rendered the everfamiliar 'Ekushey' song, "Amar bhai-er roktey rangano." Ashraful Alam recited "Amakey ki malyo debe dao," a poem by Nirmalendu Goon.
At the discussion, speakers urged introducing Bangla to
children on a mass level and ensuring • use of Bangla in every sphere of life.
Ramendu Majumder said, “In a recent survey it has been noticed that a large percentage of school-going children above class 5 aren't as skilled in Bangla, as they are in English. This is an alarming trend and should be addressed right away."
Golam Kuddus said, "Bangla remains our national
language officially, but quite often, at government institutions, Bangla is not given priority when it comes to official work This is unfortunate."
Kuddus appealed to the government to take immediate steps to ensure the use of Bangla at all levels of government institutions.
The issue of trial of the war criminals was also discussed at the event.
Nasiruddin Yousuff, president, SSJ, presided over the programme.
The first day's cultural programme started with a dance performance by Sukanya Nrityangan. The performance was choreographed by Sultana Haider.
Artistes of Dhrubotaan presented group renditions. A group recitation was presented by Baikantha Abritti Academy.
The programme ended with the staging of a street play ' Naramedh" by Shubachan Natya Sangsad.