Lalbagh Fort comes alive in Ustad Allauddin Khan tribute

The centuries-old ramparts of Lalbagh Fort reverberated with the timeless strains of Hindustani classical music on Wednesday evening, as the nation commemorated the 163rd birth anniversary of Ustad Allauddin Khan—one of the subcontinent‍‍`s most revered maestros and a pioneer who elevated South Asian classical music to international prominence.

Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the event transformed the historic Mughal fort into a confluence of heritage and harmony. Against the backdrop of illuminated arches and intricate stonework, the evening unfolded as a rare dialogue between music and memory—where the enduring legacy of Allauddin Khan found new resonance within Dhaka‍‍`s most iconic monument.

Photo: The Business Standard 

From the moment guests entered the fortress gates, the atmosphere was steeped in grandeur. Soft golden lights traced the outlines of the ancient walls, the air humming with anticipation and reverence. It was as though the past itself had awakened to listen.

In a video message, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the evening, calling Allauddin Khan "a legendary figure who brought South Asian classical music to the world stage." He described the setting as "a fitting tribute—where history itself seems to listen."

Among those in attendance were Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

Speaking to the audience, Farooki reflected, "Ustad Allauddin Khan was not merely a musician—he was a philosophy, a vision that continues to inspire generations."

Both Khan and Hasan also used the occasion to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine. Their remarks stirred the audience, who spontaneously joined in a chorus of "Free, free Palestine!"—a moment of shared conscience amid art and beauty.

The evening began with a short documentary chronicling Allauddin Khan‍‍`s life of tireless devotion and discipline—a visual meditation on a man who believed music was a form of prayer. This was followed by Pandit Asit Dey‍‍`s evocative performance of Raga Bhimpalasi, his voice and instrument weaving the air with the master‍‍`s remembered grace.

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By 8:45 pm, the performance of Raga Kirwani commenced, led by the teachers and students of Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay. Vocalist Abhijit Kundu was joined by tabla players Prashanta Bhowmik and Fahmida Nazneen, esraj artist Shukla Halder, sarangi player Niloy Halder, and young sarod players Isra and Ilham Fuljhuri Khan—descendants of the Allauddin Khan lineage. The performance was conducted by Maitree Sarkar.

The final act of the night belonged to Ustad Allauddin Khan‍‍`s great-grandson, Siraj Ali Khan—the evening‍‍`s most anticipated performer. "The sarod I‍‍`m playing tonight belonged to my great-grandfather," he shared, holding up the century-and-a-half-old instrument before beginning his set. Accompanied by Kallol Ghosh and Archik Banerjee on tabla, his performance seemed to summon the spirit of Maihar‍‍`s legendary gurukul, the musical haven founded by the maestro himself.

Photo: The Business Standard 

The audience—comprising diplomats, artists, and cultural leaders—listened in reverent silence. Among them were the Chief Adviser‍‍`s Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, Shilpakala Academy Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, and National Museum DG Tanzim Ibn Wahab. Also in attendance were representatives from the embassies of Japan, Italy, China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Botswana, and UNESCO.

The evening was gracefully hosted by legendary actor and director Afzal Hossain and television presenter Maria Fariha Upoma, who guided the audience through the night‍‍`s performances with warmth and wit.