Desk Report: Members of the literary and cultural community gathered at the Dada Bhai Conference Hall of the Central Kochikacha Bhaban on Saturday afternoon to commemorate the first death anniversary of noted poet, singer, journalist and cultural organizer Zakiul Haque Zaki, former president of the Sahitya Sanskriti Kendra.

The memorial discussion and prayer meeting was organized by the Sahitya Sanskriti Kendra, bringing together eminent educationists, writers, journalists, cultural activists and family members of the late poet to pay tribute to his life and contributions.

The event was presided over by Mahbub Mukul, President of the Sahitya Sanskriti Kendra. Distinguished educationist Abdus Sabur Fakir attended as the chief guest. Special guests included Delawar Hossain, Convener of the Metropolitan Cultural Division; Sharif Bayezid Mahmud, CEO of Kids Creation TV; and Abedur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Cultural Academy.

Moderated by Abdur Rahman, Assistant Secretary of the organization, the programme featured speeches by prominent writer Ibrahim Bahari, journalist and novelist Harun Ibne Shahadat, Emdadul Haque Chowdhury, Executive Director of the Cultural Research Centre, as well as Zaki’s father Maulana Kazi Abdur Rahim and his wife Bibi Zaynab Jiniya.

A welcome address was delivered by Allama Iqbal, Secretary of the Sahitya Sanskriti Kendra. Other speakers included M.A. Tawhid, Husne Mobarak, Afsar Nizam, Abu Raihan, Abdullah Al Noman, ABM Noman Azad, and artist MC Mamun, among others.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Zaki’s son, A.Z.M. Tashdiq Bil Jinan, while poet Kabir Bhuiyan presented a tribute poem dedicated to the late cultural figure.

Members of the Metropolitan Shilpigosthi performed Islamic songs, adding a solemn and reflective atmosphere to the event. Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed soul of Zakiul Haque Zaki.

Professor Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman Akhand, General Secretary of Kobita Bangladesh; poet Zakir Abu Jafar; Dr. Mostafa Monowar, Secretary General of Deshiya Sangskritik Sangsad; poet Nasir Helal; and Professor Saiful Arefin Lelin, along with numerous admirers, colleagues and well-wishers of the late poet were present among others at the moment.