Lalon Shah’s death anniversary has been declared a " ‘Ka’ category day"

The government has declared October 17, the death anniversary of Baul saint Fakir Lalon Shah, as a ‘Ka’ category day.

The decision was made today at an Advisory Council meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO), chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the decision at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon.

“The Advisory Council has approved the proposal to recognize October 17, the death anniversary of the great Baul Fakir Lalon Shah, as a Category ‘Ka’ day,” he said.

Highlighting Lalon’s legacy, Shafiqul Alam noted that Lalon was not only a lyricist and musician, but also a philosopher and seeker of life’s profound truths.

“His songs have touched the hearts of Bengalis for generations. His philosophy of equality, humanism, and non-communal spirit continues to inspire us even today,” he added.

He further said that Lalon’s music has gone beyond the Baul community, becoming an integral part of both rural and urban cultural life in Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, recognizing Lalon’s death anniversary as a ‘Ka’ category day is expected to encourage new research and cultural initiatives in universities, research institutions, and cultural organizations.

“This decision will also help promote Bangladesh’s rich cultural traditions on the global stage. Lalon remains one of the nation’s most cherished cultural icons,” the press secretary said.

The council also discussed honoring other cultural figures, including novelist Humayun Ahmed, artist SM Sultan, and rock legend Ayub Bachchu. However, only the proposal on Lalon Shah was finalized today.

Previously, the birth and death anniversaries of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore were included in the ‘Ka’ category list of days.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing.