Information technology minister Mustafa Faruq Mohammad inaugurates the Madhu Mela on Monday. — New Age photo

A weeklong festival began on Monday at Sagrdari, the birthplace of the legendary poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt, marking the 189th birth anniversary of the poet, which actually falls on January 25.
Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824-1873) is widely considered to be one of the greatest poets in Bengla literature and the father of the Bengali sonnet. He introduced blank verse in Bangla literature what came to be called amitrakshar chhanda.
Information technology minister Mustafa Faruq Mohammad inaugurated the festival popularly known as Madhu Mela . In his speech, the chief guest said, ‘Msdhusudan Dutta will be remembered by the Bangladeshis till the last date of the country’s existence.’
Mostafizur Rahman, deputy commissioner, Jessore chaired the opening session.
The village under Keshabpur upazila in Jessore has taken a festive mood as people from different corners of the country have gathered in the festival organised by Jessore district administration.
The festival features cultural programmes, discussion, launching of a website after the name of Michael Madhusudan Dutt  and display of various goods at the 100 shops at the venue--, Taheruzzaman Tasu, a businessman who is also involved with Madhusudan Academy told New Age.
Troupes from Jessore and adjacent areas will stage jatra, putul nach [puupet theatre][ and other performances.
A few foreigners also attended the programme. A Danish national Kent, expressed his satisfaction after attending the fair said, ‘I enjoyed the fair, especially the jatra performed here.’
The fair will be continued   till 27th January.