'Shangskritik Shilpi Shohayota Shangstha', Pabna honoured three late artists who had played vital roles in the cultural arena of the district. The organisation held a programme at PabnaTown Hall premises on die occasion.

Artistes honoured at the programme were the late Baul MA Gafur; cultural activist and also the founder of Shammilito Shangskritik Jote, Pabna, late Abu Zafar Md. Mohsin and the late classical singer Ustad Baruneshwar Saha. The event included a discussion and cultural programme.

President of Shangskritik Shilpi Shohayota Shangstha, Pabna, Mahbubul Alam Mukul chaired the programme. Pabna Deputy Com missioner Dr. AFM Monjur Kader handed the crests to die family members of the deceased artistes. Among others, Assistant Police Superintendent (ASP), Pabna, Nizam Uddin; Pabna Sadar upazila vice chairman Samsun Nahar Rekha; cultural activists Abdul Aziz, Ganesh Das and Ashraf Hossain Rabi spoke on the occasion. Speakers focused on the cultural heritage of the district.

Several prominent figures from Pabna have played major roles in the national cultural

arena. Poet Bonde Ali, singer MA Gafur and others from die district are widely known throughout the nation. But it is unfortunate that not all of these personalities have been properly honoured, speakers were of the view.

Mentioning the great contribution of the noted cultural activists, speakers also urged all to restore the local heritage. They also called for providing patronage and encouraging talented young artistes of the region.

Baul MA Gafur was a prominent artiste of the region. He was killed by the Pakistani army during die Liberation War. Speakers on the occasion demanded to include Gafur in the Liberation War memorial in Pabna.

Ustad Baruneshwar Saha was one of the noted classical artistes of the area. He had trained several artistes of the district who had gone on to earn national acclaim.

/\bu Zafar Md. Mohsin is also an important name in the cultural arena of the district. He formed Shammilito Shangskritik Jote.

Later artistes of the district performed at a cultural programme held at the venue. Pradip Kumar Das, Abul Kashem, Abdul Malek Sarkar. Nasima Ashraf, Proloy Chaki, Rita Ghosh and Sharmin Islam'll thi performed at the programme.