Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy commemorated the 136th disappearance anniversary (Tirodhan Dibos) of mystic Baul saint and philosopher Fakir Lalon Shah on Saturday (October 17, 2026) at the National Theatre Hall auditorium in Dhaka. Sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the event combined insightful discussions on humanism and equality with soulful musical performances.
Addressing the audience as chief guest, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khaiyam called for adopting Lalon's philosophy to reject religious extremism and foster mutual respect. "Religion is a matter of personal choice. Observing or not observing religion is an individual's freedom. Treating everyone with dignity without belittling or harming others is the core essence of Lalon's teachings," he stated.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General (Additional Charge) and Joint Secretary Harun-or-Rashid noted that Lalon taught humanity that dignity stems from moral conscience and deeds rather than birth identity. Keynote speaker Professor Ahmed Shakil Hashmi, alongside Cultural Ministry Secretary Yasmin Begum, BNP Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, and JASAS Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokan, also spoke at the event. The second half featured prominent folk artists including Biman Chandra Biswas ('Ami Opar Hoye Bose Achi'), Moushumi Iqbal, Kangalini Sufia, and Aleya Begum performing iconic Lalon tracks, culminating in a chorus rendition of 'Milon Hobe Koto Dine'.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Entertainment Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
