Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Bangladesh jointly held a two-day long programme titled Folk Music Programme 2004. The function, which began at the National Art Gallery Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, started on October 2.

State Minister Begum Selima Rahman, Ministry of Cultural Affairs was the chief guest while UNESCO representative in Bangladesh Wolfgang Vollmann was the special guest. Ahmed Nazir, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, presided over the programme.

'Lalon Shah, Hason Raja, Abbasuddin, Abdul Alim, Pagla Kanai they are our legends in folk music. Folk music is on the verge of extinction in the urban areas as the dish culture captures the attention of the younger generation,' said Selima Rahman. 'By an emphasis on traditional culture and a sound social structure, we can revive this simple form of music. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is trying to promote the various forms of folk music the pride of the rural people.'

Wolfgang Vollmann said, ' This is the second UNESCO endeavour to provide moral support to promote the folk music of Bangladesh.' 'Apart from the poverty and natural devastation, this country has a rich cultural heritage and legacy of mystical folk songs,' he added.

Shafi Kamal, director, music and dance department, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy said, ' Even in this era of globalisation, folk music of Bangladesh still thrives.'

Later in the evening, the place seemed to buzz with activity. The first day's programme was distinctive as it was dedicated to the female folk artistes. Rahima Akhtar, clad in traditional saffron attire with khanjani in one hand and ektara in the other accompanied by the tunes of dotara, flute, dhol and mandira of her troupe, enthralled the crowd with a famous Hason Raja song Baula Ke Banailo Re. Then Aklima Begum rendered Aamar Ghum Bhangaiya Dilogo Morar Kokiley. Mina Barua, who has earned a niche in folk songs, performed Bhalobasha aamar Hoilona Prano Shokhigo. Nadira Begum another eminent folk singer dazzled the audience with a popular tune Aamarey Chharia Bandhu Koi Gelarey. Monerey Bojhabo kokhon and Boli Maa Choron Dhorey Aar Aamarey Marish Na the Lalon rendition by Chandana Majumder and Chumki Haq were also awesome. Runa Akhtar, Jahanara Bikrompuri, Baby Akhter, Halima Dewan, Rubi Akhter, Shahnaz Talukder, Rezeka Sultana and Razia Akhter also rendered Bhatiyali, Bhawaiya, Lalon, Baul, Marfoti, Murshidi and Hason Raja songs.

Dietrich Andreas, the Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany was also present at the show. The evening was memorable as it took the audience back to their roots. It also went a long way in promoting an art form that could easily get swamped by the dish culture.