Speakers at a discussion here urged the government to observe the birth and death anniversaries of renowned poet Rajonikanta Sen at the national level. They also stressed the need to collect and preserve the memorabilia related to Sen.

Sirajganj Zilla Shilpakala Academy arranged the discussion and a cultural programme at the Bhasani Milanayatan in Sirajganj town on Saturday evening. The participants paid homage to three renowned poets: Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Kanta poet Rajonikanta Sen.

The speakers noted that the government observes the birth anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam on a national scale. But it does not observe the birth or death anniversary of Rajonikanta Sen in a similar vein despite his rich contributions to Bangla literature. They stressed the need to collect the memorabalia of Sen and establish an institution at his village Sen Bhangabari in Belkuchi Upazila of Sirajganj district for their preservation.

The Deputy Commissioner of Sirajganj, Ashraf Ali, was present at the discussion as chief guest, while Jannat Ara Henry, joint secretary of Zilla Shilpakala Academy presided over the programme.

The speakers also said that Tagore and Nazrul had infused new life into Bangla literature and music through their immense creativity. Alongside them, Kanta Kobi gave new direction to the Bangla poems.

T. H. Sohel, assistant professor of History, Sirajganj University College, Karuna Rani Shaha, principal, Pabna Government Teacher Training College and Alamgir Rahman, superintendent of police, Sirajganj were among others who took part in the discussion.

Later, as part of a cultural programme, artistes recited poems and presented music related to different themes such as love, nature and country by the three poets