On the evening of 26 February 2022, a solo flute evening titled `Basantabahar’ of internationally acclaimed flutist Ustad Azizul Islam was held at Chitrobhasha Gallery. Musicians, poets, writers, theater personalities and many others were present in this event. During this, artist played `Basant Raga’ based composition. The veteran musician played also Bahar raga, Yman raga. Along with flute playing, poet-playwright Sisir Dutta and Art Enthusiastic Kamal Sengupta were engaged in conversation with artist Azizul Islam.

Ustad Azizul Islam also known as Captain Azizul Islam, renowned as flutist of Bangladesh. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak for Music in 2017 and was awarded an honorary fellowship by the Bangla Academy in 2021 for his special contribution to the arts and musical instruments.

This talented artist was born in Rajbari in 1945, although his ancestors were residents of Bhatshala village in Brahmanbaria district. Although born in Rajbari, Ustad Azizul Islam has been a permanent resident of Chittagong since childhood. He did his Matriculation from Chittagong Muslim High School, Intermediate from Chittagong College and admitted as a first batch cadet of Mercantile Marine Academy (now Bangladesh Marine Academy) which started his maritime career.

Ustad Azizul Islam’s musical career began under the guidance of Pandit Priyada Ranjan Sen Gupta, a distinguished teacher of Chittagong’s music school “Arjya Sangeet Samiti”. He also received training from classical vocalist Ustad Bilayet Ali Khan and world renowned sarod player Ustad Bahadur Khan. He also had the opportunity to learn from renowned flutist Pandit Devendra Murdeshwar and Pandit V G Karnad, both close disciples of Pandit Pannalal Ghosh, the pioneer of classical flute.

He has performed in almost all-major music festivals of Bangladesh. Played in hundreds of concerts in India, Singapore, USA, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia. He was accompanied by the world famous Indian Tabla player Ustad Sabir Khan, Pandit Samar Saha, Pandit Shuben Chatterjee and others. This talented artist has also performed duet with Padma Bhushan Pandit V G Jog, the legendary violinist at Kalamandir in Kolkata.