The 58th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi was celebrated in Chattogram with discussions, cultural performances, poetry recitation and a reception for students who passed the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.
Udichi Chattogram District Parliament organised the programme on October 31 at Chattogram Academy premises on Momin Road.
The discussion was chaired by noted essayist and Udichi Central Committee Vice-President and Chattogram District President Jasim Chowdhury Sabuj. Udichi Chattogram General Secretary Advocate Asim Bikash Das moderated the event.
Udichi Acting Central President Habibul Alam, former president of the Chattogram District Bar Association Advocate Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Chattogram District Shilpakala Academy Cultural Officer Ayaz Mabud and Udichi district Vice-President Sunil Dhar, among others, spoke at the programme.
Speakers said Udichi began its journey in 1968 under the leadership of Satyen Sen, Ranesh Dasgupta and Shahidullah Kaiser, with a vision of ensuring the overall emancipation of working people. Over the decades, the organisation has played an important role in cultural and democratic movements, standing against exploitation, communalism and oppression.
They said Udichi had remained committed to the spirit of the Liberation War, secularism and pluralism despite facing attacks and challenges. They also recalled the sacrifices of its activists during the Liberation War and their struggles against military rule and communal forces.
Speaking as the chief guest, Habibul Alam criticised imperialism and foreign interference, expressing concern over what he described as threats to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests. He particularly raised concerns over foreign control of Chattogram Port, saying Udichi would continue its movement to protect people’s rights over national resources.
In his speech, Jasim Chowdhury Sabuj recalled the organisation’s struggles and the bomb attacks on its programmes in Jessore in 1999 and Netrokona in 2005. He said Udichi would continue its commitment to building an egalitarian, secular and discrimination-free society.
The speakers also highlighted this year’s anniversary slogan: “Take back the killer thorns, this time I want roses.”
Following the discussion, the programme featured musical performances by Bishwatan, poetry recitation by Joyshree Majumder and mass songs by Udichi Chattogram district artists. SSC-passed students were also honoured at the event.
