As a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, the two prominent bards of Bengali literature, a cultural programme was held at Mymensingh Press Club Auditorium on October 6.

The artistes of Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, Mymensingh unit rendered Rabindra and Nazrul Sangeet, enthralling the audience gathered at the venue.

A discussion was also held on the occasion. President of Rabindra Sammilon Parishad Professor Manjurul Alam Champak and writer Salim Hasan were the discussants at the programme. Mir Golam Mustafa, secretary of the Press Club, delivered the welcome speech. Press Club vice-president AZM Imam Uddin Mukta presided over the discussion.

The speakers were of the view that to ensure communal harmony, the secular ideals of both the bards should be followed.

If we could imbibe the ideals of the bards fully, communal violence at Ramu [in Cox's Bazar| where 12 Buddhist temples and many homes were burnt down could have been avoided, said the speakers.

They also said that both Tagore and Nazrul always raised their voices against oppression and communal forces that create unrest in the society.