Dhaka University (DU) bestowed this year’s ‘Feroza Begum Memorial Gold Medal’ on renowned folk singer Farida Parveen. The award recipient was presented the prestigious award at a celebratory programme at the third floor of Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of DU on Sunday.
Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Md Akhtaruzzaman was present as the chief guest and handed over the award and cheque worth Tk 1 lakh to Farida Parveen on the occasion marking the 93rd birth anniversary of late legendary Nazrul Sangeet artiste Feroza Begum.
The treasurer and chairperson of Feroza Begum Memorial Trust Fund Professor Kamal Uddin presided over the ceremony. Moreover, Professor Abu Md Delwar Hossain, Dean, Faculty of Art, DU was present as the special guest. Also present at the award ceremony was Feroza Begum’s brother and chairman of ACI Foundation M Ani ud Dowla.
In his speech Professor Akhtaruzzaman versed his gratitude to M Anis Ud Dowla for being a benefactor of Feroza Begum Memorial Trust Fund. He also added that in future, the next generation of music artistes will be inspired by the endeavour which has been taken to preserve the memory of late Feroza Begum.
Additionally, Professor Akhtaruzzaman presented a gold medal to Khandakar Onika Islam for her exemplary result in BSS examination in 2018 from the music department of DU.
Regarding her receiving the award singer Farida Parveen said, “I am really happy and honoured at the same time to receive such a prestigious award, especially one that is named after Feroza Begum. I am really proud to be receiving it.”
It is mentionable that the University of Dhaka introduced the ‘Feroza Begum Memorial Gold Medal’ in 2016 and since then renowned singers Sabina Yasmin, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya and Runa Laila have been awarded the gold medal.
