Adieu, Fakir Alamgir

Shakirul Islam

Legendary folk singer and Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Fakir Alamgir, who emerged as the Gana Sangeet (the songs of the masses) singer for his contributions to inspire freedom fighters during the 1971 Liberation War, passed away at the age of 71 after losing his battle with Covid-19.

For his contribution to music, he was honoured with several awards including Ekushey Padak, Bhashani Padak and Sequence Award of Honour.

Shock gripped the country’s cultural arena on the loss of the celebrated folk and pop singer. The music fraternity and millions of fans extended their condolences soon after the news of Fakir Alamgir’s death came out Friday night.

Taking her social media handle, singer Kanak Chapa wrote: “I am deeply saddened. Words cannot even express this sorrow. Such a youthful man like him is defeated by the coronavirus! He flighted for Gana Sangeet throughout his life. He emerged as the spokesperson of the masses. He was the soul of Gana Sangeet.”

Veteran cultural personality and freedom fighter Nasiruddin Yousuff said: “I am saddened by losing Fakir Almagir who was a companion in the protests in streets for uninterrupted 52 years.”

“Fakir Alamgir’s songs would awaken spirit and give strength to people. His death creates an irreplaceable loss for the country’s music industry,” said noted singer Ferdous Wahid.

Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan wrote: “He was a frontline warrior of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK). Apart from songs on liberation and Liberation War, Fakir Alamgir also sang for the working class of people in his entire life. His songs inspired people against oppressions in political, social and cultural forms.”

Baul singer Kuddus Boyati said: “I pray for the departed soul of Fakir Alamgir.”

Actor Chanchal Chowdhury regretted that he will not be able to take photo with Fakir Alamgir anymore. He would love taking photographs. “Rest in peace. Respect,” wrote the actor.

Dhrubo Music Station proprietor and singer Dhruba Guha said: “Coronavirus took away our beloved Fakir Alamgir. I wish his soul may rest in eternal peace.”

“Legends never die. Respect and love,” wrote music director Emon Chowdhury.

Besides, Bappa Majumder, Asif Akbar, Pritom Ahmed, Shafiq Tuhin, Elita Karim, Sharmin Sultana Sumi, Konal and many other celebrities paid tributes to Fakir Alamgir.

Fakir Alamgir breathed his last around 10:56pm on Friday following a cardiac arrest at the Covid unit of United Hospital in Dhaka. He had been receiving treatment there since July 16 after he tested positive for Covid-19 on July 14.

He was paid the last tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar premises yesterday. Members of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Gana Sangeet Somonnoy Parishad, Patho Natok Parishad, Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Dhaka city units of Awami League, Central Khelaghor Asar, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote and various other political and cultural platforms paid rich tributes to the folk legend.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Akhtaruzzaman, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury and many other noted personalities paid last respects to Fakir Alamgir.

Fakir Alamgir was given a guard of honour on behalf of Dhaka district administration following a namz-e-janaza in the capital’s Khilgaon.

Born on February 21 in 1950 in Kalamridha village under Bhanga upazila of Faridpur, Fakir Alamgir started his music career in 1966. He played a vital role during the mass uprising of 1969 as a member of the Kranti Shilpi Gosthi and Gana Shilpi Gosthi.

During the Liberation War in 1971, he worked with the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK) to inspire freedom fighters.

After the Liberation War, he emerged as a ‘Gana Sangeet’ singer. His notable songs include ‘O Sokhina’, ‘Shantahar’, ‘Nelson Mandela’, ‘Naam Tar Chhilo John Henry’ and ‘Banglar Comrade Bondhu’.

In 1999, he was awarded Ekushey Padak as recognition for his contribution to music.

Fakir Alamgir was also the founder of the cultural organisation ‘Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi’. He also served as the president of ‘Gana Sangeet Shamanya Parishad’.

The folk music icon also authored a total of nine books including ‘Chena China’, ‘Muktijuddher Smriti Bijoyer Gaan’, ‘Gono Sangeeter Otit O Bortoman’ ‘Jara Achhen Hridoy Potey’ and ‘Smriti Alaponey Muktijuddho’.