Dignitaries at the CD launch. Photo: Golam Mahabub

A website (www.ashrafsiddqui.com) on the life and works of the acclaimed poet, researcher, folklorist and essayist Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui -- with a view to preserving his precious contribution to literature for the next generation -- has been launched. Ashraf Siddiqui Foundation organised a programme at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University on May 5 to announce the launch.
At the programme, a documentary on the life and works of Siddiqui, titled “Jibon-Sangskritir Jolchhobi” was screened. Ashraf Siddiqui Foundation also produced a CD, “Taleb Master o Onnanya”, featuring selected poems of Siddiqui.
The documentary features the early life of Ashraf Siddiqui as well as interviews with noted personalities. Siddiqui was born on March 1, 1927 at the village of Nagbari, under Tangail district. His village is encircled by Bonsai river. At his village, Muslims and Hindus lived in relative harmony, peacefully observing their different festivals, where singers performed traditional songs as Pala Gaan, Jari Gaan, Marfoti, Bhatiali and Baul.
Part of the documentary also features interviews with renowned personalities and relatives who talked about Siddiqui and his contribution to the literature and the country. Among the interviewees were: poet and journalist Mohammad Mahfuzullah, the late poet Abdul Mannan Syed, Professor Wakil Ahmed, Abdul Hai Siddiqui (Ashraf Siddiqui's uncle), Amirul Islam (nephew of Siddiqui), and his sons and daughters.
Mohammad Mahfuzullah said, “Siddiqui is a passionate poet and novelist.”
Wakil Ahmed said, “Siddiqui was a teacher. He engaged himself in various social and cultural activities. He is a creative and resourceful writer. He has made a great contribution -- through his research on Bengali folk, culture and music -- to Bangladesh.”
Textiles and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui; Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University, Dr. Serajul Islam Chowdhury; former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abul Hasan Chowdhury; Professor Anwar Hossain; theatre personality Mamunur Rashid; Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of Bangla Academy; artist and TV personality Mustafa Monwar, singer Nashid Kamal, among others, spoke at the programme.
Ashraf Siddiqui has already published 80 books in Bangla and English. Almost all daily newspapers have published his articles, poems, stories and others writings. Some of his fictional works have been selected for the degree and others classes. He has received many awards.