Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha (BNSS) yesterday arranged a celebration programme to felicitate renowned singer Khairul Anam Shakil’s receiving Ekushey Padak this year.
The programme was held at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Eminent elocutionist, thespian and cultural personality Asaduzzaman Noor graced the event as chief guest while Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam was special guest.
Renowned Nazrul and Tagore singers Sadya Afreen Mallick, Yakub Ali Khan, Ferdous Ara, Bulbul Islam, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Joseph Kamol Rodriguez and Yasmin Mushtari spoke, among others, to congratulate Shakil at the event. President of BNSS Khalid Hossain presided over the programme.
“Music is not just the greatest entertainment form of our culture. It also plays an important role in creating the sense of patriotism. We witnessed how music constructed the conscience of our Bangalee nationalism during the Liberation War. We are proud of Khairul Anam Shakil and sincerely thank the government for conferring him Ekushey Padak this year,” said Mahfuz Anam.
“Shakil bhai is a big-hearted person and a very good leader in our musical arena. He is in such a position that respect towards him comes naturally. We are happy and proud that the deserving person has been recognised nationally,” said Laisa Ahmed Lisa.
Khairul Anam Shakil expressed his gratitude to all for showering blessings and good wishes on him.
An audiovisual presentation showcasing Shakil’s journey as a singer was also screened at the event. A musical programme followed where Yakub Ali Khan, Khairul Anam Shakil, Ferdous Ara, Yasmin Mushtari, Bizon Chandra Mistry and others performed.