Photo: Courtesy

Rasheek Tabassum Mondira

Indigenous band Madal and Institute for Environment and Development (IED) jointly hosted a cultural event, Boichitrer Oikotan, (Concert for Diversity) at the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, recently. The event was supported by Partnership for a Tolerant and Inclusive Bangladesh (PTIB) project, UNDP.

Madal, along with eight other bands, performed at the event. Mro Sangskritik Dol, Khasia band Five Thorn Wings, Garo bands Sacrament and Kremlin, Santal band Sengel, Bengali band Bangla Five, Meghdol and indigenous band F Minor, enthralled the audience with their musical talents. The event featured different indigenous musical instruments and other performances.

Bangladesh has a rich history of culture, religion and ethnic diversity. Yet, intolerance and hate often threaten the peaceful coexistence of our diverse population. With that in mind, PTIB has launched the initiative, ‘Diversity for Peace’, to foster creative actions to connect people with different identities and to promote tolerance and inclusivity.

Members of different national and international development organisations, cultural activists, eminent media personalities, teachers, students and writers were present at the event.