To mark the 70th anniversary of broadcasting radio drama of Dhaka, now Bangladesh Betar, a programme was held at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on April 3. Betar Natyakar-Natyashilpi Shangshad (BNNS), an organisation of enlisted Bangladesh Betar actors, producers and scriptwriters, arranged the programme. The highlight of the programme was felicitation for 16 noted radio personalities.

The programme kicked off early in the morning through a procession that headed out from BSA. Former and current radio artistes took part in the procession, which ended at the Press Club.

The main programme was held at the National Theatre Hall in the evening. The programme commenced through playing excerpts from "Chiranjib Mujib," a Bangladesh Betar programme directed by Mazharul Islam.

The 16 personalities honoured at the programme are -- Islam Ahmed, Md. Aminul Haque, Sirajul Islam, Saifuddin Ahmed, Masud Ali Khan, Abul Bajal Tulip, Atiqul Huq Chowdhury, Lily Chowdhury, Rabi Sarkar, Khadija Zaman, Jahanara Ahmed, Begum Momtaz Hossain, Kazi Mahmudur Rahman, Mazharul Islam, Raisul Islam Asad and Nur-e-Hafza.

Kazi Zakir Hossain and Aleya Ferdousi, secretary general and president of BNNS respectively, spoke at the programme.

Aleya Ferdousi said that they wanted to arrange the programme on the eve of the anniversary (December 16, 2009) but could not due to unavoidable circumstances.

A cultural programme followed the felicitation, where artistes of Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts staged a group dance with the song "Muktir Mandir Shopan Toley." Excerpts from a recording of Pramothesh Barua and his troupe's play "Debdas" were played at the programme.

Baul Jahangir and Abdul Majid, among others, rendered songs at the programme. Their renditions included Lalon songs "Raat Pohaley Pakhi Boley Derey Khai," "Tin Pagoley Holo Mela" and the patriotic song "Buk-er Pajor Jhajra Korey.”