A Musical Homage on Ustad Azizul Islam’s Birthday

Ustad Azizul Islam. Photo - Wikipedia

A solo flute recital was held at the main auditorium of the National Museum to celebrate the 80th birthday of Bangladesh’s renowned flutist, Ustad Captain Azizul Islam. The special evening was jointly organized by Pathikrit Foundation and Sanskriti Bikash Kendra, where the esteemed artist mesmerized the audience with his extraordinary flute performance.

The event commenced with a captivating performance by the Bangladesh Banshuri Foundation, paying tribute to Ustad Azizul Islam. The program was presided over by Professor Liaquat Ali (Founder of Sanskriti Bikash Kendra and President of Pathikrit Foundation). The Chief Guest of the event was Sharmin S. Murshid, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Special guests included Shirin Parveen Haque, Head of the Women’s Reform Commission, and distinguished filmmaker and cultural personality Masiuddin Shaker.

During their speeches, the guests extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Ustad Azizul Islam on his 80th birthday and praised his lifelong journey in music. They highlighted his invaluable contribution to the practice and promotion of classical music, describing it as exemplary and inspirational. Many prominent figures from the country's cultural arena, including journalists, artists, and music enthusiasts, offered floral tributes to the maestro. The entire event was hosted by Rezwanul Kabir Sumon and Mashfida Akter Mala.

The main performance of the evening began with Ustad Captain Azizul Islam playing Raag Darbari Kanada, followed by Raag Hansadhwani and Raag Jhinjhoti, which deeply captivated the audience. The entire auditorium resonated with the enchanting melodies of his flute, creating a mesmerizing musical experience that the attendees enjoyed with heartfelt admiration. The event turned into an unforgettable evening of flute music. Accompanying him on tabla was Biswajit Natta, and on tanpura was Saiful Islam.

It is noteworthy that Ustad Azizul Islam is a highly respected flutist in Bangladesh, known for his remarkable contributions to classical music. Born in 1944 in Rajbari, he initially pursued a career as a sailor but later dedicated himself entirely to classical music out of deep passion. He trained under renowned maestros such as Ustad Bilayet Ali Khan, Bahadur Khan, and Devendra Murdeshwar. In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious Ekushey Padak, the highest civilian award in Bangladesh. Additionally, he has received the Bangla Academy Honor (2021), Sangeet Piyasi Award, Paul Harris Fellow Award, Channel i Music Award, and Sahitya Academy Award, among many other accolades. – Press release