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The edifice of the Nazrul Institute is a reconstructed part of the rebel poet’s home in Dhaka, which was once known as Kabi Bhaban. The place is closely associated with the memories of one of Bengal’s greatest poets, Kazi Nazrul Islam. On the occasion of the poet’s 29th death anniversary, a five day programme on August 27 was inaugurated at the institute premises. In this connection, the institute brought out five books and an audio CD comprising of Nazrul songs by the legendary singers of the poet’s time. Apart from that a photography exhibition by Mujahidul Islam featuring images of the birds which were used in Nazrul’s poems and songs was also held.
   Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development was the chief guest at the programme, which was presided over by Selima Rahman, State Minister for Cultural Affairs. Ehsan Shamim, NDC and Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, was the special guest. Dr Ashraf Siddique, Chairman of the Nazrul Institute Trustee Board; Abdul Hye Shikder, Executive Director of Nazrul Institute; singer Shabnam Mustari and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Abdur Razzaq also spoke on the occasion.
   ‘Nazrul’s whole life was full of cries of protests — protests against injustice, dishonesty, discrimination and communalism. And his creations always gave us the inspiration and showed us the correct path during times of turmoil,’ said Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan. He further added, ‘Nazrul’s creations have universal appeal and we have to preserve his legacy.’
   Commenting on Nazrul’s brilliance in Bengali literature, Selima Rahman said, ‘In Nazrul’s works we find that the poet tried to establish women’s long cherished freedom in the conservative society, which gave his creations an added dimension. But unfortunately, because of the poet’s prolonged illness, we failed to get more from this literary genius. This is the high time to conserve the poet’s works, especially the authentic musical notations of his songs.’
   Dr Ashraf Siddiqie, a renowned folk exponent said, ‘The Institute seeks to preserve and spread Nazrul’s songs and literature. Up to the present, we have preserved and brought together about 2,000 old gramophone records of Nazrul songs. On the poet’s 29th death anniversary, we bring out an audio CD titled Padmer Dheu Re which is a recollection of the old Nazrul songs in authentic form, by the great artistes like Indu Bala, Angur Bala, Sachin Deb Burman and others of the poet’s own time. We need to publish various publications on Nazrul too. We have already 40 manuscripts in hand, but because of the lack of proper funding we have not been able to publish them. But we still seek help from the government to preserve his works as well as to preserve the institute.’
   Abdul Hye Shikdar said, ‘We require Kazi Nazrul Islam’s songs and writings for our development as a nation, and the institute is there to nurture our culture through Nazrul’s works. But there is need for discussions and seminars on the National Poet. His songs and poems need to be made more popular. Awards should be given to those who have done exceptional work on Nazrul. The institute is trying to increase its volume of work; such as improving the printing and publishing of his writings. Simultaneously it aims to arrange a conference of Nazrul singers and experts on his writings.’
   A cultural programme featuring the recitation of poems, rendition of Nazrul songs and dance pieces choreographed on Nazrul’s works, followed next.

The country’s baul artistes held a rally on August 26, marching on major roads to seek permission to perform at mazars and other places during a variety of festivals.
   As bomb blasts occurred at some mazars, as well as the attacks on August 17, the government imposed the restrictions against the baul group.
   Protesting the decision, the artistes held a rally and a meeting at the Central Shaheed Minar.
   The speakers at the meeting condemned the decision taken by the government.
   According to them, there are about two hundred thousand bauls who will face tremendous financial crises due to the decision.
   They urged the government to go for a cancellation of the orders, which they said were hampering the advancement of folk art, and sought immediate support for saving the popular form of folk theatre from extinction.
   Abdus Sobhan Sarkar, convenor of the Baul Samaj; Mohammad Alam Dewan, member secretary of the organisation; Abdur Rahman Bayati; Mohammad Makhan Dewan; Mohammad Abul Sarkar; Abdur Rashid Sarkar; Shahjahan Sarkar; Pagal Bachhu; Pagl Munir; Qaddus Bayati; Babul Sarkar; Aklima Begum; Kangalini Sufia; Beauty Akhtar and Shefali Sarkar were present at the programme.
   After the meeting, the artistes organised a rally which ended at the National Press Club.

The Nazrul Academy organised a discussion and cultural programme to mark Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 29th death anniversary at its auditorium on the evening of August 27.
   Noted Nazrul Sangeet singer, Khalid Hossain; eminent litterateur and Nazrul researcher, Abdul Mannan Syed; veteran journalist, Professor Abdul Gafur; Minu Rahman and Khairul Alam Sabuj of the Nazrul Academy were present among others.
   Khalid Hossain said that no Bengali poet has written such a huge number of songs.
   ‘Nazrul has composed a diverse array of songs. He has added new dimension to the world of Bengali music. Nazrul’s jhumur gaan, ghazal and march-songs have enriched Bengali music.’
   He added, ‘Nevertheless, the poet had created over 20 fundamental rags and over 12 fundamental tals in music.’
   He further said that in a short span of literary life, that was nearly 21 years, Nazrul had brought a change in the arena of Bangla literature.
   Abdul Mannan Syed said that Nazrul is succeeded as the major composer in Bangla music. He had incorporated diversity, both in lyrics and tune, in Bangla songs.
   According to him, Nazrul is a ever green poet as well as ever modern. ‘In poetry, he took socio-political issues as subjects, which was new in Bangla literature,’ he added.
   Professor Abdul Gafur said that the social and political leaders of Bengal declared Nazrul as the National Poet of Bengalis in Albert Hall in 1929. ‘Nazrul is the National Poet of all Bengalis, irrespective of castes and creeds,’ said Gafur.
   He further said, ‘We should study and implement the philosophy of Nazrul for our national identity and entity as well.’
   Kalid Hossain delighted the audience singing two songs of Nazrul, Amar Mohammader namer dhyean hridaye jar ray and Masjideri pashe amay kabar dio bhai.
   The students of Nazrul Academy presented songs and dances in the function.

Up to two million revellers were expected at this weekend’s Notting Hill Carnival, organisers said, as the Caribbean spectacular kicked off in style here on Sunday.
   A Scotland Yard spokesman said, meanwhile, that there was ‘no specific threat’ to the annual event following the July 7 terror attacks.
   Commander Chris Allison, spokesman for the Metropolitan police, said that this year’s event would be as safe as possible. ‘Carnival is an important annual event in London’s calendar; this importance has only increased since the tragedy that struck London on July 7.’

The Centre for Asian Theatre (CAT) will stage Henrik Ibsen’s play Brand today at 7:00pm at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
   Tickets are available at Pathak Samabesh in Shahbagh and Theatre Corner on Bailey Road, and at the counter of the hall before the show.

The plan was flawless... the job was executed perfectly... the escape was clean. The only threat they never saw coming was a member of their own crew.
   After pulling off an amazing gold bullion heist from a heavily guarded palazzo in Venice, Italy, mastermind thief Charlie Croker (Wahlberg, I Heart Huckabees, The Truth About Charlie) and his gang -- computer genius Lyle (Green, Be Cool, Without A Paddle), wheelman Handsome Rob (Statham, Cellular, Collateral), explosives expert Left-Ear (Def, Lackawanna Blues, Something The Lord Made) and veteran safecracker John Bridger (Golden Globe® and Emmy® Award winner Sutherland, Fierce People, Frankenstein) are betrayed by one of their own--- inside man Steve (Golden Globe® winner Norton, 25th Hour, Red Dragon) who promptly assassinates John and takes off with the bullion.
   A year later, the gang are gagging for payback. Enter Stella (Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Theron, Head In The Clouds, The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers) John's daughter-- a safecracker just like him.
   The Italian Job
   HBO
   9:30pm
   Starring
   Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Donald Sutherland