Eminent songwriter, poet, essayist, critic and presenter Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal was born on March 13, in 1936. He also served as the Director General of the Bangla Academy from 1986 until his death. Remembering the Ekushey Padak awardee on his 87th birthday, a cultural event was held at Bangla Academy's Abdul Karim Shahitya Bisharod Auditorium, yesterday.

The event titled, "Amader Shroddhargho" was arranged in collaboration with Bangla Academy and Rewaz Performing & Arts Society.

Professor Mustafizur Rahman speaking at the event.

The programme was inaugurated with the welcome speech and recalling memories by Professor Mustafizur Rahman, where he shared that they want to continue this celebration every year from now on. "It is our responsibility to create the taste of audience, and uphold the legacy of artistes like Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal," he shared. Followed by a dance performance by Munmun Ahmed's students from Rewaz Performer's School.

Nazrul Sangeet exponent and researcher Sujit Mustafa

Eminent poet and the Director General of Bangla Academy Nurul Huda also shared some of the cherishing moments he spent with Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal. "He was the renaissance of our time," said Nurul Huda, "His knowledge on language and art was incomparable."

The programme progressed further with musical performances by Yousuf Ahmed Khan, a student of Sujit Mustafa, where he performed on the timeless song—"Shei Chompa Nodir Teerey" and "Ei Prithibir Panthoshalay" both written by Abu Hena. Additionally, singer Monika Debnath performed the song "Hater Kakon Phelechhi Khule" and "Keno Je Amar Krishnochurar Boney". There was also a duet performance of the song "Tumi Je Amar Kobita". The event was then graced by the beautiful dance performance by Munmun Ahmed.

Director General of Bangla Academy and eminent poet Nurul Huda recalling the memories of Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal.

Abu Hena's elder son, noted Nazrul Sangeet exponent and Nazrul Sangeet researcher Sujit Mustafa also recalled his father's memory and performed the songs—"Tomar Kajol Kesh Chhoralo Bole", "Kotha Dilam Ajke Ratey", "Amar prothom Dekhar She Khontire", Obnek Brishti Jhore Tumi Ele", "Opomane Tumi Jole Uthechhile", "Pothe Jete Dekhi Ami Jare", and "Shalik Shalik Moyna".

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A father's undying love

Soummyo Mustafa, the youngest son of Abu Hena recited a poem exclusively written by him for his father. The event concluded with the speech of Kaberi Mustafa, the daughter of the artiste.