The 34th edition of Jatiya Kabita Utsab (National Poetry Festival) begins on Sunday on the central library premises of the Dhaka University in the city.
Jatiya Kabita Parishad (JKP) is organised the two-day festival with the slogan of ‘Mujib is the poet of immortal poetry of my freedom’ (Mujib Amar Swadhinotar Amar Kabber Kabi).
Eminent poet Mahadev Saha inaugurated the festival as the chief guest which was began with the playing of the national anthem along with hoisting of the national flag. The Ekushey song and festival song were also presented at the opening ceremony.
Floral wreaths were placed at the Central Shaheed Minar and graves of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, painter Kamrul Hasan, poet Kazi Nazrul Islam before the inaugural function in the morning.
The festival was featured elaborate programmes, including recitation of poems, seminars, discussions and exhibitions on poets and poetry along with others.
Kabita Parishad president also Pro-Vice Chancellor of DU Dr Muhammad Samad presided over the opening ceremony while general secretary Tariq Sujat, poet Anisul Haque and poet Shihab Sarker, among others, were present.
Poets from different countries including India, Turkey, Nepal, Spain, Sweden, Uzbekistan and Malaysia are taking part in the festival.
At the festival, three eminent poets and language movement veterans- Ahmed Rafi, Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury and Borhanuddin Khan Jahangir- will be honored with ‘Jatiya Kabita Parishad Sommanona’ at the closing ceremony tomorrow.
Poetry sessions are being held on each day of the festival till 9 pm.
