Photo: File Photo

The two-daylong folk festival -- to observe of the 97th birth anniversary of the bard Shah Abdul Karim -- began last Friday. The festival was dedicated to the young who have been protesting across the country, demanding justice for war crimes. The festival began at the bard's birthplace, Ujandhol, under Derai upazila of Sunamganj district.
Karim's son Shah Nur Jalal chaired a discussion at the opening programme. Sylhet Divisional Commissioner ANM Zeaul Alam formally inaugurated the event. Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, Upazila Parishad Vice-chairman Chhobi Chowdhury and others attended the discussion.
The musical programme began with the patriotic song “Salam Salam Hajar Salam”. Artistes then started performing songs of the bard: “Agey Ki Sundar Din Kataitam”, “Bondhu Ailaye Na”, “Bashonto Batashey”, “Keno Piriti Baraila”, “Bondhurey Koi Pabo” etc.
Artistes -- both young and seniors -- kept the audience engrossed with their covers of Shah Abdul Karim classics.
The speakers were of the view that through his songs, Shah Abdul Karim had uniquely voiced the lives and aspirations of the common man.
The second day's programme began in the afternoon yesterday. Disciples of the bard from different areas took part in the renditions.