A two-day cultural programme marking the 41st founding anniversary of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) recently ended at the Nandan Mancha, BSA in the city. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is the principal state-sponsored national cultural center of Bangladesh. It is the national academy of fine and performing arts. The academy was established through an act of Parliament in 1974 as a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. But subsequently the Act of 1974 of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy was amended through a new act of Parliament in 1989. The overall direction for the functioning of the academy is provided by an executive council (Shilpakala Academy Parishad) headed by the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The Director General of the academy is responsible for its administration. He is also responsible for the implementation of decisions taken by the council. He is assisted in his work by an executive committee which is elected by the council.
The duties and responsibilities of the academy include promotion of the arts and national culture and creation of necessary facilities for their development. The activities of the academy also include organising workshops, seminars, discussion meetings, short-term specialised trainings, providing scholarships and financial grants for talented artists, organising competitions in the various field of fine and performing arts.
On the occasion of the founding anniversary, eminent and upcoming artistes as well as different cultural organisations performed at Nandan Mancha. Popular band Joler Gaan enthralled the audience with some of its popular numbers accompanied by self-improvised musical instruments. Some of the songs that the band performed include "Tumi Amar Pashe Boshia Thako", "Patar Chhobi" and "Jhora Pata". The artistes of Shilpakala Academy also presented an acrobatic show at the programme. Renowned singers Subir Nandi and Shakila Zafar enthralled the audience. Subir rendered his famous songs "Ek Je Chhilo Matir Kanya" and "Din Jay Kotha Thake". Shakila Zafar rendered several songs like "Swadhinata Tumi Achho Boley", "Tumi Amar Prothom Sokal" and others. Samir Qawwal and his troupe presented several Qawwali songs including "Allahu Ahhalu" and "Yah Nabi Nabi", while singers of Dhaka Sangskritik Dal performed two songs--- "Ajj Jibon Khuje Pabi" and "Basonto Batashe Soigo" at the porgramme. A group dance with the harmonised song of "Uthali Pathali Dhew-e Chole Naiya", directed by revered dancer Shamim Ara Nipa, also captivated the audience.