Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 21, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will honour 
internationally acclaimed singer Runa Laila on July 24 in recognition of her 
outstanding contribution to music.

A solo musical performance by the legendary artiste will also be held on the 
occasion, with earnings from ticket sales to be donated to the Prime 
Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund for flood victims, the BSA sources said.

The honouring ceremony and musical evening will take place at the National 
Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at 6:30 pm on July 24.

Organised with the support of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the event 
aims to celebrate Runa Laila's remarkable achievements and lifelong 
contribution to the country's music and cultural heritage.

As part of the programme, the celebrated singer will perform a selection of 
her popular and timeless songs in Bangla and several other languages to raise 
funds for people affected by floods.

Tickets have been priced at Taka 2,000, Taka 3,000 and Taka 5,000. The entire 
amount collected from ticket sales will be contributed to the Prime 
Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy Chowdhury is expected to attend the 
function as the chief guest with Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural 
Affairs Kaniz Mowla will be in the chair.

Adviser (State Minister rank) for the Ministries of Information and 
Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman and State Minister for 
Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayem will attend as special guests, 

Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed 
will deliver the welcome address, while BSA Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain 
will offer the vote of thanks.

Runa Laila, one of South Asia's most celebrated music icons, has earned 
widespread acclaim at home and abroad through her performances in Bangla, 
Urdu, Hindi, English and several other languages over the past decades.

Her contribution to promoting Bangladesh's cultural identity and enhancing 
the country's prestige on the global stage has received widespread 
recognition.