Musical school Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan Sangeet Academy held a programme at Shawkat Osman ,15?^oria^ Auditorium, Central Punic I ibrarx on August 5. The event marked the 94th birth anniversary of folk maestro Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan. A collection of songs of Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan was launched at the programme. Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique was the chief guest at the event.

The programme started with The'book latmcW. Titled "Ustad

Momtaz Ali Khan-er Gaan," the collection contains 50 songs --patriotic, romantic and more.

Some rare songs written by 'Polli-kobi' Jasim Uddin, which

were later tuned and recorded by Momtaz Ali Khan, have also been included in the book.

"Tumi amar bondhu Iago." "O dhan bhanirey dhekitey pa diya," Ghatey lagao rey nao kuley lagao" and "Tumi kaindo ira orey"amar jaon bela," are some of the songs included in the book.

Apart from lyrics, the book also contains notations of the songs (as done by Momtaz Ali Khan) to pre-

serve the original compositions.

Speaking at the programme Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique said, "Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan made significant contributions to our folk music throughout his life."

Referring to Momtaz Ali Khan's songs on nature, Professor Siddique added, "In his songs the true essence of Bengal shines in an amazing way."

"His timeless compositions are valuable assets. Measures should be taken immediately to preserve his songs for future generations," Professor Siddique said.

Golam Kuddus, general secretary, Shammilito Shangskritik Jote and folk artiste Mina Barua were special guests at the event.

This is the third book of Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan's songs published by the academy.

"The main purpose of publishing these books is to safeguard the original compositions of Ustad Momtaz Ali Khan," said Rupu Khan, daughter of Momtaz Ali and executive director of the academy.

A cultural programme followed the book launch. Folk artistes Mina Barua, Latifa Helen, Chaitali Khan (granddaughter of Ustad M®azl AliCKhitn’, AfidSiP'Amu Khan, Nurun Nahar and others performed songs of Momtaz Ali at the programme.

Dance performances were staged by members of the academy.