Chhayanaut stages ‘Deshghorer Gaan’ in tribute to Waheedul Haq

Bangladesh’s leading cultural organisation Chhayanaut paid tribute to noted music thinker and cultural organiser Waheedul Haq through a musical programme titled “Deshghorer Gaan”.

The event was held on Monday (March 16) at Chhayanaut’s auditorium in Dhanmondi, bringing together performers from different regions to celebrate folk traditions and Haq’s enduring cultural vision. 

Speaking at the programme, Chhayanaut president Sarwar Ali reflected on Haq’s lifelong commitment to building a humane and inclusive society through music.

“Waheedul Haq’s life’s mission was to shape a society rooted in harmony and compassion, not division,” he said, adding that music remained his primary tool in that pursuit. 

Haq, often described as a “travelling minstrel of music”, played a pivotal role in nurturing generations of artistes across the country. Many of today’s performers, speakers noted, owe their artistic journeys to his influence.

The programme featured a rich lineup of folk performances. Artist Anamika Kar from Sunamganj presented songs by Hason Raja, Shah Abdul Karim, and Radharaman Dutta.

From Chandpur, Mukta Sarkar performed works by Ramesh Shil, Durbin Shah, and Gostho Gopal Das.

Baul artist Sirajuddin Pathan from Netrokona performed songs including those written by Siraj Ali, alongside his own compositions. The evening concluded with a traditional pala gaan performance by Delwar Hossain Dilu Boyati and his troupe, depicting the tragic narrative of Karbala. 

Organisers said the programme not only revisited the country’s diverse folk traditions but also reflected Haq’s cultural philosophy — one rooted in inclusivity, humanism, and the enduring power of music.