February 1 is a special date for many, who assemble on this day each year at the Dhaka University Library premises to celebrate their love for poetry. For 32 years, the Jatiya Kabita Utshab has been the focal point of poets around the world. This year's festival highlighted the plight of ostracised refugees, or as noted in their theme- “Deshhara Manusher Shongrame Kobita”.
Following tradition, the two-day festival commenced yesterday (February 1) at 10 am with paying tributes to the final resting places of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, and painters Zainal Abedin and Qamrul Hassan. Members then made their way to the national emblem of Language martyrs, the Shaheed Minar, where they paid tribute, before singing the national anthem and hoisting the flag.
This was followed by a riveting musical performance by Fakir Alamgir and his troupe, who rendered songs from poems composed by Mahadev Saha. Members of the Jatiya Kobita Parishad (JKP) including the President, General Secretary and executive council were invited onto the stage to deliver welcome addresses. Aminur Rahman Sultan's speech was in remembrance of key literary figures whose souls departed the world last year. Festival convener Robiul Hossain highlighted the enduring strength of poets in his speech, saying, “No one expresses the truth better than a poet. Our nation's history is eloquently written in the words of our poets.”
“The struggle of the oppressed, and refugees have always been highlighted in the works of poets, shedding great insight and awareness on their sufferings,” stated General Secretary of JKP Poet Tariq Shujat.
Poet Mohammad Samad, President of the JKP presided over the festival that is concluding today. “Poets have the strength to emerge as victors, using love as their weapon.” The inaugural address was delivered by the Poet Asad Chowdhury, who gratefully noted that the festival has taken place this time during dark times in society, which can be alleviated with the power and presence of poetry.
Crests and flower garlands were presented to international poets attending the festival. Throughout the day until 8pm, national and international poets presented their original works on stage. This was followed by a recitation session till 9, which was presided over by Ramendu Majumdar.
