The 29th Literary Festival and Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award ceremony were held in Netrakona on Saturday, drawing writers, cultural activists and officials to a day-long celebration of literature and heritage.

Organized by the Netrakona Literary Society, the festival was inaugurated at 10am at Bakultala in Moktarpara by Deputy Commissioner Md Saifur Rahman. In his speech, he described Netrakona as a fertile land for art, literature and culture, urging people to preserve local traditions and remain vigilant against cultural degradation, reports BSS.

Superintendent of Police Md Tariqul Islam, attending as special guest, said the first spring morning after the 13th national parliamentary election symbolized renewed inspiration and optimism.

The event was presided over by Netrokona Sahitya Samaj President Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim and moderated by General Secretary Tanvir Jahan Chowdhury. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Mun Mun Jahan Liza and Advocate Mahfuzul Haque also addressed the gathering.

Local artists welcomed spring with a dance performance, while a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the Language Movement martyrs, Liberation War heroes and July 24 uprising martyrs.

The festival featured poetry recitations, discussions and award presentations, honoring poet Abdul Hai Sikder and Professor Dr Abdullah Al Masum this year.