Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy organized a music programme titled “Gane Gane July” to mark the anniversary of the July mass uprising, under an initiative of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The event was held on the evening of July 30 at the National Music and Dance Art Centre auditorium. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki attended as chief guest, while the ministry’s secretary chaired the programme. Academy officials and prominent cultural figures were also present.

In his address, the adviser prayed for the souls of those killed in the uprising and expressed deep sympathy for people left permanently disabled. He said efforts were under way to use the new possibilities created after the fall of the fascist government to elevate the country’s arts and culture to a distinctive level.

The academy’s vocal artists opened the cultural segment with “Dhan Dhanya Pushpa Bhara,” “Chal Chal Chal,” and “Durgam Giri, Kantar-Maru.” ULAB students and Srijoni artists also performed group songs. Zakir Hossain Akher, Mita Mallik, Fuad Naser Babu and Momtaz Rahman Laboni performed solo pieces, while students from Jagannath University and Government Music College presented ensemble performances.