Rekindling patriotism: The uprising of Shahbagh. Photo: Saurav Dey

While many noted artistes of the country have remained mum about the Shahbag Movement, Pakistani band Laal has paid a rich tribute to the protestors who stand against allies of the Pakistan army during the Liberation War. The video of the song “Na Honay Pai”, released on the band's Facebook page early Monday morning, is said to been made with assistance from Bangladeshi group 'Ei To Somoy'.
The description of the video says: “In this new work, we not only wish to express our solidarity with the Shahbag Movement in Bangladesh but also to speak about that unspoken part of our history that simply refuses to acknowledge the historical wrongs that were committed. Many people may find it disturbing; others will shower us with all sorts of abuse and accusations. We will face all these, speaking truth to power, and representing the point of view of all oppressed humanity without fear.
“No good will come of pretending that we have nothing to do with those events. All of us have a direct relationship to this past and cannot escape our role or responsibility in it. I feel a grave sense of historical duty to raise my voice against the atrocities committed. Similarly, I hope that my fellow Pakistanis, who today suffer from the same extremist forces in our own country, have the courage to recognise that all this has happened before and will happen again if we do not speak truth to power and if we do not stand for justice.”
The song closes with verses by renowned Pakistani poet Faiz A Faiz, written on March 23, 1971, right before Bangladesh declared independence. The lines -- that roughly translate to “Every day has felt like the end of the world, but we still wait for the day of judgement” -- remain relevant even after 42 years.
Laal was formed during a struggle for the rule of law in Pakistan. The band sang at demonstrations and long marches, and ever since, has made a name for itself, singing humanist songs. Laal has been involved in a number of social movements, and also provided extensive relief support during the ravaging floods in Pakistan in 2010.