On Friday, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter spoke at a programme held on the premises of the Lalon Academy at Cheuria, Kumarkhali, Kushtia. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has 
said that the message of humanity expressed in Lalon's songs remains equally 
relevant today.
 
"Lalon's music is of the highest artistic standard, enriched with profound 
philosophical, political, and above all, humanistic values," she said.

The Adviser made such remarks yesterday at a programme organised by the 
Ministry of Cultural Affairs and directed by the Bangladesh Shilpakala 
Academy, held on the premises of the Lalon Academy at Cheuria, Kumarkhali, 
Kushtia, marking the 135th Death Anniversary (Tirodhan Dibas) of Fakir Lalon 
Shah at the national level, said a handout here today.

This is the first time Lalon Shah's death anniversary is being observed at 
the state level, which is a historic decision, she said.
 
Farida Akhter added that the government believes Lalon's philosophy and 
contribution should not be confined to the national level only.

"Whichever government comes in the future, there will be no conflict with 
Lalon, as he represents no political ideology but stands as a symbol of 
humanity," she continued.

Farida further stated, "There are many saints recognized in the global arena, 
yet Lalon is still not as well-known internationally. The global community 
has the right to know his philosophy, songs, and teachings. We want to see 
Lalon's name, music, and philosophy spread across the world."

"This event is not merely a commemoration but a significant step toward 
showing state-level respect to Lalon. In the coming days, Lalon's songs and 
philosophy will spread not only throughout Bangladesh but also to every 
corner of the world," she added.

In a video message at the event, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar 
Farooki, speaking as the chief guest, said, "Lalon Shah is one of the 
greatest philosophers and thinkers of our country. We need to internalize his 
life philosophy and ideals. It is a matter of great pride that Lalon's death 
anniversary is now being observed at the national level."
 
He also mentioned that a Lalon festival will be organised in Dhaka on this 
occasion.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, internationally renowned 
writer and scholar Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, eminent poet, 
writer, thinker, and Lalon researcher Farhad Mazhar, and Prof Abdullah Al 
Mamun of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of 
Rajshahi (RU) attended as special guests on the occasion while Kushtia Deputy 
Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin was in the chair.