The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

"Amra Nari Koto Kosto Kori," this was the inaugural song performed by veteran woman baul artiste Kangalini Sufia at a concert jointly organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at Gulshan Youth Club Ground in the capital on March 8 to observe 100 years of International Women's Day.

The aim of the concert was not only observance of International Women's Day but also to create awareness against corruption.

Some 30,000 people raised their hands in the concert with the slogan 'Jago Manush, Nari Odhikare Jago.' The slogan also included 'Stand up for women's rights and anti-corruption movement and women's rights movement,' which framed and upcoming bands and solo performers enthralled the audience throughout the day.

The concert was started after 2:00pm, while the gate was opened at 12:00 noon. Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, said, "Women are vulnerable for corruption. We should take the anti-corruption movement forward."

While performing, Kangalini Sufia said, "We (women) will no more be captive indoors." Then she performed 'Konba Pothey Nitaiganj E Jai."

Then popular band group Renaissance entered the stage next. They performed some popular numbers including 'Runway-er Mati Chhuye,' 'Benche Thaka Niye' and familiar number 'Bhalo Lagey.'

Members of Pancham Sur, a troup from the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) and Awaz Foundation, a troupe of working garments workers, rendered songs titled 'Sonali Manusher Ahobhan' and 'Esho Narider Pashey Darai' respectively.

Then off-track sensational female artiste Krishnokoli and artiste Kafil took the stage and rendered 'Shatkahon,' 'Alo Fonta Bhorey,' 'Africa' and 'Buk Taan Korey Darao.'

Noted artiste Fahmida Nabi sang a couple of songs including 'Lukochuri Lukochuri Golpo.'

The audience seemed to enjoy artiste Shahed' renditions of 'Prem Hoye Jay,' 'Tumi Amar' and 'Amar Bondhur Rong.'

Sensational band group Yatri then performed three songs including 'Mitthey Prem, 'Ekta Gopon Kotha' and 'Nupur.'

Then solo performer Mehreen was the last performer before evening break. She rendered 'Tomar Jonno,' 'Rajkumar' and 'Bangladesher Dhol.'

After the break, theatre artist Shankar Shawjal, Shawjib, Tamanna Rahman and other performed the theme song of TIB 'Jago Manush Jago.' A laser show followed the performance.

After the evening break, pop star Azam Khan took the stage with his band 'Uchcharan' and rocked the audience with his popular song 'Bangladesh.' The veteran pop artiste also rendered 'Prem Chirodin.'

Band group 'Dolchhut' with vocalist Bappa Majumder came and performed with 'Din Bari Jai,' 'Baji' and other number. The band members remembered the late Sanjib Chowdhury, one of the members of Dolchhut. A minute silence was observed in memory of Sanjib.

Then band group Souls performed 'Brishti Dekhey Onek Kendechhi,' 'Cha-er- cup-e,' 'Jhut Jhamela' and 'Keno Ei Nishongota.'

Later, band Black delivered a spirited performance. They performed 'Poitrish,' Blues and Roud' and 'Porahoto.' The band also presented one of their unreleased songs -'Abar,' the title song from Black's upcoming album, set to hit the market in May.

Next was Aurthohin with Sumon as the vocalist. The band performed an array of romantic songs including 'Tumi Bhorechho Ei Mon,' a translation of the John Denver's classic song 'Anni's Song,' and 'Neel Akash.'

Maqsud O Dhaka was the last performer in the concert. They performed 'Bangladesh,' 'Mousumi,' 'Chokhachokhi' and 'Melay Jairey.'

In the evening, Chairman of ACC Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury and TIB Chairman Prof Muzaffar Ahmed came to join the concert.

Therefore, Rokeya Kabir of Nari Progati Sangha and Dr Sonia Nishat Amin also spoke on the occasion. A message from Mili Rahman, widow of Birshrestha Matiur Rahman, urging the immediate trail of war criminals, was read out at the function.

Besides, a message from Huguette Labelle, Chairperson of Transparency International (TI), was also read at the venue.

Photos: Sharif Khan