Devotees honour Lalon at Nabpran Akharabari ceremony

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has urged citizens to embody Fakir Lalon Shah's teachings to stand against injustice, saying that keeping "the mind on the right path" can help build a fairer society.

Speaking at a special musical concert and discussion at Nabpran Akharabari beside the Lalon Academy in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, organised to mark the 135th death anniversary of the mystic bard, she said: "We should try to embody in our own lives the advice of Lalon Saiji to keep our minds on the right path against injustice. If we could keep our minds on the right path, then so much injustice would not have happened in society."

Referring to recent unrest, the adviser added: "Our young students have fought bravely against injustice. Many of them are still receiving treatment in hospitals with injuries. On behalf of the interim government, we feel that we have a lot of responsibilities. We are trying to do the necessary work out of that sense of responsibility."

Farida Akhtar said the interim government intends to declare Lalon's death anniversary at the national level, noting that thousands of devotees gather at Cheuria, Kushtia every year: "There was no state recognition for this. Rather, an attempt was made to divide Lalon into parties. We will not let Lalon belong to any party. Lalon was a man of the people, he remains a man of the common people. Therefore, our responsibility is to work to protect Lalon's philosophy and ideals."

She stressed accurate performance and preservation of Lalon's songs: "It is important to be aware that artists should not make mistakes in Lalon's words and tunes while singing. At the Nabpran Akharabari, artists are taught to sing in the correct rhythm and tempo so that there is no distortion in Lalon's devotion and philosophy."

Poet and Lalon researcher Farhad Mazhar and others attended the programme, where artistes performed songs conveying Lalon's spiritual message of human liberation.