A daylong programme to pay tribute to world-famous Iranian epic poet Hakim Abulqasem Ferdousi and pay homage to the Persian language was held on Thursday at the R.C. Majumder Hall of Dhaka University (DU).

Iranian Cultural Centre (ICC), Dhaka and the department of Persian Language and Literature of DU jointly organised the seminar.

Iranian ambassador Abbas Vaezi Dehnavi in Dhaka was present as the special guest in the programme.

In his speech, Dehnavi said those who are familiar with the history of Iranian literature know very well that if the name of Ferdousi, not only a poet but also a conservator of Persian Language, does not be pronounced, it will be tantamount to deny the main contributor who enriched this language with his extra-ordinary talent in literature.

DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Dr M Akhtaruzzaman also presided over the inaugural session.

Cultural counselor of ICC Sayed Mousa Hosseini delivered the welcome address while Chairperson of the DU Persian Language and Literature department Dr Abdus Sabur Khan delivered vote of thanks.

An academic session was held at the same day after the inaugural session while four papers over Persian language were presented.

Iranian Ambassador Dr. Abbas Vaezi Dehnavi, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of DU Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman and Dean of the Faculty of Arts of DU Professor Dr. Abu Md. Delwar Hosain jointly opened Persian Language Lab before the formal inauguration.