Kazi Abu Zafar Siddique speaks at the programme. Photo: Star

The sixth 'Kabita Utshab' (poetry festival) organised by Satkhira Kabita Parishad, an organisation formed by local poets, was held at Shahid Abdur Razzak Park on March 19.
Satkhira Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Abdus Samad inaugurated the festival by hoisting the National Flag as chief guest.
Chaired by Satkhira Kabita Parishad president Shuvra Ahmed, the inaugural session was addressed by BTV director general, Kazi Abu Zafar Siddique, poet Aslan Sani, poet Shahdat Hossain Nipu, Dr. Shahidur Rahman and more.
“Poetry inspired people to take part in the struggle for Independence and helped the Language Martyrs establish the mother tongue in 1952. Poetry awakens the conscience and enables men to raise their voice against all kinds of injustice,” they said.
Let poetry inspire people to fight against poverty, corruption, injustice and misrule, they added.
To mark the occasion, a seminar on 'Kabita Rukhbei Daridra' (Poetry will resist poverty) was held at the same venue with Professor Dolly Sultana in the chair.
Later, poet Kazi Waliullah presented the main essay while Kazi Abu Zafar Siddique, Jatiya Kabita Parishad general secretary Aslan Sani, Gazi Azizur Rahman, Gazi Shah Jahan Siraj took part in the discussion on the main essay.
Subsequently, the Kabita Parishad Award for 2009 was handed out to BTV DG Kazi Abu Zafar Siddique, Aslan Sani, Asim Saha, SM Alauddin (posthumously), Sadar upazila chairman Alhaj Nazrul Islam, Falguni Hamid, Dr. Shahidur Rahman, Subhas Chowdhury, Gazi Azizur Rahman for their contribution to poetry, literature and social service.
The chief guest Satkhira deputy commissioner, Md. Abdus Samad handed over the crests to the recipients. Over 100 poets participated in the colourful festival.