Staff Correspondent

A colourful event was organized at the Main Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Saturday to mark the 70th birth anniversary of eminent poet, literary figure, and cultural activist Mohan Raihan.

Distinguished poets, writers, intellectuals, cultural personalities, and well-wishers gathered at the venue in the evening to pay tribute to the poet's long literary, cultural, and struggle-filled life.

Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni MP inaugurated the event as the chief guest. Law Minister Asaduzzaman Asad MP, prominent poet of the 1970s Matin Bairagi, journalist Abu Said Khan, and Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq attended as special guests.

The ceremony was presided over by writer and researcher Dr. Salimullah Khan, who served as the convener of the "Mohan Raihan 70 Years Celebration Committee".

The event commenced with an opening musical performance presented by a troupe of young vocalists. A documentary titled "Ognipother Kobi" (Poet of the Fiery Path), depicting the revolutionary life and career of poet Mohan Raihan, was screened during the program. Additionally, a commemorative felicitation volume and a compiled volume titled "Selected 100 Poems" were formally unveiled to mark his 70th birth anniversary.

In his speech, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni praised the poet's contributions to Bengali literature and wished him long life, stating that poets like Mohan Raihan are essential for the nation.

Extending his greetings, special guest poet Matin Bairagi remarked that Mohan Raihan never sought power, choosing instead to work toward developing people's consciousness. Comrade Saiful Huq noted that the world would be uninhabitable without poets, adding that Mohan Raihan continuously works toward building a better society.

Speakers highlighted Mohan Raihan's unique role in the multidimensional development of Bengali literature and culture, as well as in struggles for common people's rights. Throughout his journey, he took an uncompromising stance against autocracy, military rule, exploitation, and oppression. His life and work deeply reflect rebellion, protest, love, human liberation, equality, and the desire for freedom.

Discussants also noted that Mohan Raihan is not only a poet but also an active organizer of political and cultural movements in Bangladesh. He was closely involved in establishing the Sammilito Sangskritik Jote and the Jatiya Kabita Parishad. Having served twice as the general secretary of the Jatiya Kabita Parishad, he currently serves as its president. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature and culture, he was awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2025.

The grand event featured opening music, floral greetings, speeches by eminent personalities, documentary screening, unveiling of the felicitation volume, music, poetry recitation, and a special dance-drama based on Mohan Raihan's poems.

Attended by poets, writers, journalists, artists, cultural organizers, academics, and well-wishers from across the country, the celebration served as a collective tribute to his long struggle, creativity, and cultural contributions.

Dr. Salimullah Khan remarked that Mohan Raihan's life is deeply intertwined with the history of Bangladesh's literature and culture, adding that one of the main objectives of the event was to evaluate his creations and pass on his ideals to the new generation.