The 44th annual session and concluding ceremony of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad ended in Dhaka with a series of cultural discussions, award presentations, organisational announcements, and commemorative observances, underscoring calls for renewed engagement with cultural practice.
At the closing session, chief guest Ferdousi Mazumdar delivered a statement emphasising the importance of continued practice of Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet. She observed that cultural engagement could contribute to distancing society from violence, greed, and moral decline. She further noted that neither difficult nor favourable times are permanent, urging perseverance, integrity, and courage in moving forward in life.
The programme commenced with the presentation of honours. The Rabindra Padak was conferred upon Professor Syed Akram Hossain in recognition of his contribution. The citation was read aloud by Laisa Ahmed Lisa. In his remarks, Professor Hossain expressed gratitude to the organisers and selection committee, describing the honour as the most significant recognition of his life, and referenced poet Sudhindranath Dutta’s observation that debts are acknowledged rather than repaid.
Subsequently, awards and certificates were distributed among participants who achieved merit in the final rounds of competitions under the children’s and general categories. A total of 56 individuals from across the country received recognition.
A formal condolence motion was later presented by Zahirul Haque Khan. The assembly paid tribute to several deceased cultural figures, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Sunil Karmakar, alongside others from the cultural sphere. The session also condemned incidents of arson and attacks targeting the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Shilpakala Academy, and Udichi. Participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of the deceased.
Following this, the official declaration of the convention was read by Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay. Votes of thanks were delivered by General Secretary Lily Islam and President Mofidul Hoque. A 61-member central executive committee was then announced and approved.
Central Executive Committee
| Position | Office Bearer |
|---|---|
| President | Mofidul Hoque |
| Executive President | Bulbul Islam |
| General Secretary | Lily Islam |
| Treasurer | Zahirul Haque Khan |
The evening segment concluded with ceremonial lamp lighting performed by cultural personalities including Sarwar Ali, Ramen Mazumder, Ferdousi Mazumdar, Mamunur Rashid, and Professor A. Q. M. Sirajul Islam. The programme also featured performances of music, dance, and recitation. The two-day convention concluded with the national anthem.
Earlier in the day, delegates from different regions of the country gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar and offered floral tributes. A representative conference was held at 10:00 a.m. at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, where a unanimous decision was taken to form the central executive committee. At 11:30 a.m., a seminar titled “Institutional Education in Schools and Music” took place, featuring discussions by Professor Kisti Hefaz, Professor Santosh Dhali, Ferdous Ara Lipi, and Swatantira Bulbul.
The organisation’s origins date back to 1979, when it was established as the Jahidur Rahim Smriti Parishad on the death anniversary of renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Jahidur Rahim. It was subsequently renamed the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad to broaden its national scope. The organisation now operates through 82 branches nationwide and continues to preserve Jahidur Rahim’s legacy through the competitive Jahidur Rahim Memorial Award for emerging performers.