The November 2019 episode of “Ityadi” was filmed in Bandarban, the queen of hill scenery. Tonight, after the 8 p.m. Bangla news, Bangladesh Television will air a compilation episode featuring parts of that special episode along with striking footage drawn from several other “Ityadi” episodes. The Bandarban episode holds particular significance: it marked the first time celebrated actor A.T.M. Shamsuzzaman, who later passed away after a long illness, appeared before a TV camera in a drama segment, alongside fellow veteran actor Masud Ali Khan.
That drama segment turned out to be the final performance of both their careers. This episode includes an informative feature on Bandarban’s history, heritage and its scenic, tourist-friendly attractions, along with a report on ethnic minority resident Chanchal Kanti Chakma’s personal initiative to launch an old-age allowance program in the hill district. There is also an educational feature on a teaching family in Fulchhari upazila, Gaibandha, and an awareness segment on the environment of several of the world’s major beaches. Established Bangla and Marma-language singers Akhi Alamgir and Man Man Sing perform romantic songs.
The episode also features a dance performance built around a song celebrating Bandarban’s lush green scenery, performed by more than a hundred dancers drawn from Bandarban’s 11 ethnic communities and Bengali artists. As always, this episode also includes satirical drama segments compiled from various “Ityadi” episodes addressing social ills and current events, along with the regular Grandmother-Grandchild, Uncle-Nephew, audience and letters segments. “Ityadi” is written, directed and hosted by Hanif Sanket. The episode will air courtesy of Keya Cosmetics.