Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha (BRSSS) along with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged a condolence programme for the recently deceased Rabindra Sangeet exponent Kalim Sharafi. The programme was held at the National Theatre Hall of BSA, on November 9. At the programme, fellow Tagore artistes and eminent persons from other fields of culture reminisced on their days with the cultural icon.

Sharafi was the president of BRSSS till his last breath.

Kalim Sharafi passed away on November 2 at the age of 86. He is considered one of the trailblazers in Rabindra Sangeet practice in Bangladesh and one of the most accomplished singers of the genre in the subcontinent.

The programme commenced through a group rendition of the song “Shamukhey Shantir Parabar”. Members of BRSSS took part in the rendition.

Kamal Lohani, director general of BSA, gave the inaugural speech. “We got

him whenever we needed him, be it during movements or other activities,” said Lohani. He also spoke on Sharafi's repertoire of Ganosangeet and said, “He loved music and utilised it as a weapon for change in society."

The programme comprised discussions and renditions of Rabindra Sangeet.

Among cultural personalities who

reminisced on Sharafi at the programme were Tapan Mahmud, general secretary, BRSSS; media personalities M. Hamid and Atiqul Haque Chowdhury; Rabindra Sangeet artiste Sadi Mohammad; Professor Shamima Parvin of Shangeet Bhaban and Sharafi's daughter Aliya Ashraf.

At the programme Tapan Mahmud announced that henceforth BRSSS would name the annual Rabindra Sangeet talent hunt programme after Sharafi. The organisation will also name the award, with which it has been felicitating a cultural person every year, after Sharafi's name.

Sajed Akbar and Lili Islam respectively rendered the songs “Nayan Chherey Choley Geley” and “Jiboney Joto Puja Holo Na Shara”.

Anup Bhattacharya, noted Tagore singer and acting president of BRSSS, presided over the programme.

M. Hamid reminisced on his days with Sharafi when both were students. He said, “In those days Sharafi Bhai was the cultural secretary of DUCSU. We went to him for a cultural programme.”

The programme ended through the group rendition of the song “Aguner Poroshmoni Chhoao Praney”.