The three-day Second International Sufi Fest, a musical festival of traditional music, kicked off in the city on Friday with the theme 'Music for Unity'.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor inaugurated the function as the chief guest at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the city.
The festival began with the performance of traditional dance. Popular Bangladeshi band 'Joler Gaan' will appear as the last performer.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Allama Rumi Society Bangladesh and Hatkhola Foundation have arranged the gala function.
Ibraheem Hosein Khan, secretary of Ministry of Cultural Affairs, presided over the ceremony.
Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Devrim Ozturk and Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abbas Vaezi Dehnavi attended the function.
Abdul Karim, President of Allama Rumi Society Bangladesh, and Lucky Ali Liaquat, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, gave the welcome speech in the programme.
The speakers laid emphasis on making solidarity among the different nations though the philosophy of Sufism, saying that widespread teaching of Sufism can eradicate fanaticism, militancy and bigotry.
India, Iran, Turkey and Bangladesh are participating in the festival. A total of 119 singers --70 from Bangladesh and 49 from the other countries -- are performing in the fest.
On the other hand, 15 troupes from home and abroad will enthral the music lovers. Besides, Iranian Jairob, a Turkish team and two Indian teams, including Ruhani Sisters, will also perform in the programme.
The festival will remain open from 3:00pm to 10:00pm every day until February 25.
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