The 6th death anniversary of BUET student Abrar Fahad, remembered as a symbol of truth and justice, was observed across the country on Tuesday with discussions, tributes, and special film screenings.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), organised a commemorative programme titled “Abrar Fahad: The New Symbol of Bangladesh’s Sovereignty and Our Culture” at the Rabindra Sarobar stage in Dhanmondi in the evening.

A special documentary titled “You Failed to Kill Abrar Fahad,” highlighting his courage and struggle, was screened simultaneously at all district Shilpakala Academies across the country.

BSA Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (poet Rezauddin Stalin) presided over the event. Abrar’s father Md Barkat Ullah attended as a special guest and shared memories of his late son, while BSA Director (Drama and Film Department) Deepak Kumar Ghoswami delivered the welcome speech.

In his remarks, Rezauddin Stalin said, “His father recalled that Abrar was once timid; but when a person loves their country and its people, they cannot remain fearful - they become brave. He spoke the truth and was killed for it; and there is no greater pain in the world than a father carrying his son’s coffin.”

Speaking with deep emotion, Barkat Ullah said, “Abrar was a timid boy in his childhood, yet he wrote fearlessly for the sake of his country and its people. None of us in the family even knew about the kind of posts he was writing. Please keep my son in your prayers.”

The programme began with a rendition of the song “Ami Chitkar Koriya Kandite Chahiya Karite Parini Chitkar” by BSA artist Rafi Talukder, written by singer Hyder Husyn. Following the discussion, BSA artists performed several patriotic songs, including “Muktir Mondir Sopano Tole,” “Dhono Dhanyo Pushpo Bhora,” “Karar Oi Louho Kopat,” “O Alor Pothojatri,” and “Mora Jhonjar Moto Uddam.”

The event concluded with the screening of the documentary “You Failed to Kill Abrar Fahad,” dedicated to the fallen student’s spirit of courage and defiance.