Citibank pays tribute to Shahnaz Rahmatullah

Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh organized its annual “Gaane Gaane Gunijon Songbordhona” program at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka to celebrate the lifetime contributions of renowned artist Shahnaz Rahmatullah recently. Eminent lyricist, film director and producer Gazi Mazharul Anwar spoke about the legendry artiste’s illustrious musical career.  Mahbub Jamil, Former Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government and Rashed Maqsood, Citi Country Officer for Bangladesh, presented Rahmatullah an honourary crest and portrait for her outstanding contributions to enriching the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.To pay homage to Shahnaz Rahmatullah, veteran artist Samina Chowdhury graced the stage to regale the audience of regulators, ambassadors, artists and Citi clients with a performance of some timeless classics. The highlight of the program came at the end, when Shahnaz Rahmatullah came on stage at the request of the bank and sang three of her all time classics, “Ekbar Jete De Na Amar Chotto Sonar Gaye”, “Je Chilo Drishtir Shimanay,” and “Ektara Tui Desher Kotha.” She mesmerised the audience with her breathtaking voice, who gave her a standing ovation at the end.In her reaction, Shahnaz Rahmatullah said, “After a long time I am a recipient of such an honor in the country, and it feels wonderful. I hope in the future more institutions will come forward to promote the art and culture of our nation, as this kind of recognition facilitates to enrich and inspire the artistic community.”Since the first “Gaane Gaane Gunijon Songbordhona” in 2004, Citi has honored artistes Nilufar Yasmin, Farida Parveen, Feroza Begum, Sanjida Khatun, Shorab Hossain, Ferdousi Rahman, Sabina Yasmin, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya and Subir Nandi for their outstanding contribution to Bengali music and culture.