Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mustafa Sarwar Faruqi emphasised that music lies at the heart of Bangladesh’s cultural identity.
“Whether our people feel joy, sorrow, or wish to express any emotion, their first instinct is to turn to song,” he said.
Faruqi urged a deeper appreciation of this tradition.
“We must look beyond the melodies—see them as poetry, as philosophy. Only then can we grasp the depth of thought and worldview embedded in this region’s traditions,” he added.
The adviser highlighted that the most profound musical philosophers of this region were Lalon and his mentor, Siraj Sai.
“Just as we commemorate Rabindra Jayanti and Nazrul Jayanti, it's time we shed our cultural insecurities and honour the legacies of Lalon Fakir and Hasan Raja with national celebrations in today’s transformed Bangladesh,” he affirmed.
He made these remarks as the chief guest—virtually attending at the opening ceremony of a three-day national festival on Thursday, held at the historic Shelaidaha Kuthibari in Kushtia’s Kumarkhali marking the 164th birth anniversary of the poet Rabindranath Tagore.
The event was presided over by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mofidul Rahman. Special guests included Dr. Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University, Kushtia Additional Secretary Farhad Siddique and linguist Professor Mansur Musa.
Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Tawfiqur Rahman also delivered remarks.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah in his speeches stated that Rabindranath Tagore and Bengali literature are inextricably intertwined—each incomplete without the other. All genres of Bengali literature are enriched by his writing. He stands as a singular figure, embodying an entire chapter in the literary history of Bengal—one that lifted it to sublime heights.
Following the discussions, performers from both the Kushtia district and national-level Rabindra artists presented Rabindra Sangeet, poetry recitations, group dances, and Tagore’s plays from the main stage.