Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has launched a month-long cultural festival to promote cultural diversity across the country.

The festival began with performances including July Uprising Performance, Songs of Mass Uprising, and the traditional Wangala Festival, according to a media release signed by Sabina Yesmin, public relations officer of Shilpakala Academy on Friday.

‘July Uprising Performance’ in Dhaka

The performance, titled “Shono Mohajan Amra Hazarjon,” honours the voices of students and citizens in their fight for pluralistic democracy and secular culture.

The academy’s Fine Arts Department is organising the event, which will take place at Dhaka University’s Bakultala and surrounding areas on December 6-7. The event will feature 41 artists and performers.

Notable participants include Afsana Sharmin Jhumpa, Abu Naser Rabii, and Sumona Akter. This unique presentation, themed “1971/2024 Shono Mohajan Amra Hazarjon,” will be live-streamed on Shilpakala Academy’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

‘Songs of Mass Uprising’ in Gazipur

The academy will hold Songs of Mass Uprising at 4 pm on Friday at the Rajbari field in Gazipur. Organised by the academy’s Music, Dance, and Recitation Department in collaboration with the Gazipur District Administration, the event will showcase performances by garment workers and a cultural group.

Performers Imam Hasan Shanto and Lamia Islam Tanha will present the piece titled Moner Govire Mon Koto Oshohay, Protibadi Mon Mone Shadhinota Chay.

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Abdus Samad, father of Shaheed Zakir Hossain, a martyr of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, will inaugurate the event, which will also be live-streamed.

‘Wangala Festival’ in Netrokona

The Indigenous Cultural Academy of Birishiri, Netrokona, in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, is hosting the Garo community’s traditional Wangala Festival on Friday afternoon.

Dr. Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will attend as the chief guest, with Netrokona’s Deputy Commissioner Banani Biswas in charge.

Principal Manindra Nath Marak, an educationist, writer, and researcher, will join as a guest.

Garo cultural groups from Dhobaura, Gopalpur, Arapara, Gohalidhew, and Uttarael will perform to showcase the community's vibrant heritage.

Upcoming Events

As part of the month-long celebrations, a nationwide instrumental music festival will take place simultaneously at the divisional level on Saturday.