National Professor Kabir Chowdhury (centre) lights candles at a programme celebrating Bangla Academy’s 54th anniversary.

Bangla Academy celebrated its 54th anniversary on December 3. The day started with Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy, placing wreaths at the central Shaheed Minar, says a press release.
At 4 pm, at the academy's seminar room, a lecture titled "Rangopur Shahitya Parishad: Bangladesh-er Shahityacharchar Pratham Batighar" was presented by freedom fighter, researcher and historian Dr. Muhammad Moniruzzaman. National Professor Kabir Chowdhury was the chief guest at the programme.
On the occasion of its anniversary, Bangla Academy will honour 15 renowned individuals with fellowships. They are: Nurul Islam Kabyabinod; Amanul Haque; Imdad Hossain; Rawshan Ara Bachchu; ABM Musa; Ataus Samad; Finance Minister AMA Muhith; Barrister Amirul Islam; Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman; Professor ABM Abdul Latif Mia; Dr. Akbar Ali Khan; Ferdausi Majumdar; Bibi Russell; Habibullah Pathan and Abdus Samad Mondol. The honourees will receive their certificates and crests at a formal programme on December 26, 2009.
In his speech, DG of Bangla Academy Shamsuzzaman Khan said, "Bangla Academy has established itself as a unique organisation in South Asia. It is rare for an organisation to maintain close ties with the emergence and history of a nation, as the case of Bangla Academy demonstrates. Bangla Academy has become a part of our national identity."
In his lecture, Dr. Muhammad Moniruzzaman said, "To collect and preserve historic documents and publications of Rangpur region and to implement the local activities of Bangiya Shahitya Parishad, Rangopur Shahitya Parishad was formed on Baishakh 12, 1312 (according to the Bengali calendar). The organisation became a landmark in the literary movement of the region."
National Professor Kabir Chowdhury said, "Bangla Academy has not limited itself to the study or literature; it also plays a significant role in upholding our culture and heritage."
After the speeches, noted singer Papiya Sarwar rendered Rabindra Sangeet.