Renowned singer Sabina Yasmin was honored to celebrate her timeless contributions in the field of Bangla songs.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs accorded the honor to singer Sabina Yasmin at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The event also featured Sabina Yasmin’s solo musical performance, reports BSS,
The ceremony and performance event was organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, where Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki delivered the welcome speech.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mofidur Rahman, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and BNP Standing Committee Member Salah Uddin Ahmed, among others, were present on the occasion.
The programme began with one minute silence paying tribute to noted politician and writer Badruddin Umar. Then a documentary on singer Sabina Yasmin was screened and a cultural show was performed by the artistes paying honor to Sabina.
Welcoming the audience, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “If anyone wants to dominate, they first deny your history and then your culture - that is always the first step of an invasion; but in today’s Bangladesh, we want to address both. Tonight, we celebrate one of our greatest cultural treasures, Sabina Yasmin — not only through her music, but also with recognition from the state.”
He noted that primarily it was decided that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs would present the honour. But the Chief Adviser himself agreed to honor Sabina Yasmin by adding signature at the honorary memento.
Planning Adviser Professor Wahid Uddin Mahmud said that legendary singer Sabina Yasmin is not only a national treasure but also an invaluable asset to the country.
“There is no need to introduce the person we are honoring today. She is truly a legend and an invaluable asset to the nation,” the adviser said at an honoring ceremony.
On behalf of the state, Prof. Wahid honored singer Sabina Yasmin with an uttorio, a crest, and a memento.
Reflecting on her career, the adviser said, “In the late 1960s, when I was a university student and a young faculty member, the golden era of Bangla cinema, music, and literature had just begun. At that time, most of the songs we used to hum were sung by Sabina Yasmin. Though we came from different worlds, her songs always connected us.”
Praising her unmatched contribution, he added, “There is hardly any honor or award in Bangladesh that Sabina Yasmin has not received since independence. This state reception may not add anything new to her long list of accolades, but for us, it is truly a matter of great pride.”
The evening concluded with Yasmin’s solo concert featuring 10 of her most celebrated numbers: 'Sundor Suborno Tarunnyo Labonnyo', 'Ami Rojonigondhya Phul er Moto', 'Phul Jodi Jhore Giye', 'Koto Sadhonay Emon Bhaggo Mele', 'Osru Diye Lekha Ei Gaan', 'Ei Mon Tomake Dilam', 'Ami Achhi Thakbo', 'Isharay Sheesh Diye', 'Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy', and lastly 'She Je Keno Elo Na' (with everyone).
The eminent singer acknowledged the lyricists and music producers of each song before every performance, sharing her profound gratefulness. She also introduced the Orchestra members which included eminent musicians of Bangladesh.
Born in September 4, 1954 into a musical family, Yasmin has recorded some 16,000 songs across genres, from film playback to Nazrul, Tagore, and folk. She is the only singer to win 15 National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, and a recipient of the Ekushey Padak (1984) and Independence Award (1996).
Her contributions have also been recognised abroad, including an honorary doctorate in 1985.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
