CU Correspondent
Chittagong University (CU) Abritti Manch organised its 11th Recitation Festival on Thursday, July 9, under the theme “Poetry, Not Bombs and Bullets, Will Triumph.” The event was held at the Faculty of Social Science Auditorium and inaugurated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Amin, who attended as chief guest.
In his speech, Professor Al-Amin said children are able to connect with recitation only because of the CU Recitation Forum. He grew emotional while recalling memories from his own childhood and expressed hope that future generations will grow up with a deeper connection to poetry.
Speaking as special guest, Professor Dr. Mohammad Sheikh Sadi of the Bengali Department said the struggle between good and evil has existed since creation, and that poetry helps guide people. He added that the Recitation Forum paves the way for people to build their own humane inner world.
Associate Professor Fazle Elahi Shashi of the Statistics Department said a poem may never stop a war, but it can shape a person who will never support one.
Noted reciter Syeda Sajida Khanum said there is no alternative to practising culture in order to become a person of integrity, adding that people must stand with beauty and know how to protest against ugliness at the right time.
In his address as president, CU Recitation Forum president Taslim Hasan said that against the backdrop of ongoing global humanitarian crises and conflicts, this year’s theme carries an important message for the future, expressing hope that poetry will ultimately prevail once all wars and conflicts come to an end.
Hosted by forum members Md. Sabbir Hossain and Oitijjo Dewan, the festival featured recitation performances by children that particularly captivated the audience. Fellow organisations including Chittagong University Abritti Sangsad, Prothom Alo Bondhushava (Chittagong University), and Rendezvous Shilpigosthi, Chittagong University also took part.
The festival drew a lively turnout of university teachers, students, cultural activists, guardians, and a large number of recitation enthusiasts. It concluded with a shared commitment to nurturing human values, peace, and a non-communal spirit through poetry, recitation, and cultural practice.