The New Nation - Internet Edition

Entertainment Report

The 4th solo musical album of artiste Roquiaya Hasina Neely was launched at a function at the BUET Auditorium in the city on the second day of Bengali month Srabon.

O-series organised the CD launching ceremony. The album was dedicated to artist’s father martyred intellectual Rashidul Hasan who was a teacher in the Department of English of Dhaka University. It was his dream that she would one day become a singer.

Renowned educationist Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui presided over the ceremony as chief guest, while reverted Tagore singer Ajit Roy attended the function as special guest.

Cultural personality Khairul Alam Sabuj paid high tribute to his teacher Rashidul Hasan and then appreciated the artist’s purist approach to rendering Rabindra Sangeet.

In his speech Khairul Alam mentioned that although the artist skilled in Tagore songs we should encourage her for singing modern songs, as she possessed a melodious and sonorous voice.

Prof Zillur Rahman remembered Rashidul Hasan’s contribution to our liberation war with great gratitude.

At the tender age of five, Neely began training in music. A major source of inspiration was her father Rashidul Hasan.

Artist in her speech expressed her deep gratitude to her father, late Ustad Abdul Ahad and artist and music critic Wahidul Hoque and also her teachers Ajit Roy and Dr Sanjida Khatoon. She was grateful to her family, well-wisher Ahsan Zaheer, Lokman Hakim, Faroque Al Niaz and never the less Khairul Alam Sabuj for their inspiration and support.

After the speeches, the musical evening started off with the song, Anek diner aamar je gaan and after then Neely presented seven Tagore songs.

When Neely was rendering the last song of this category, Marane re tuhu momo shyam o somo with her unwavering voice the pin drop silence prevailed in the well-attended auditorium.

The show ended with the modern song Akas meghe dhaka shaon o dhara jhare. Highlight of the night included Marane re tuhu momo shyam o somo and Akashe aaj rang er khela.

The programme was conducted under the supervision of Khairul Alam Shabuj and structured by Ahsan Jahir.