“I see a truly united nation and the rebirth of universal brotherhood this May Day” – Fakir Alamgir

Ekushey Padak awardee and Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra singer Fakir Alamgir is one of the leading exponents of Gono Sangeet -- the songs of the masses, in Bangladesh. Infusing modernism with traditional songs, he is a strong voice for the working-class commoners in the country. As the day labourers are hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, the singer spoke about the ones in distress in a chat with The Daily Star, marking May Day.

May Day, also known as Labour Day, is observed across the globe with a pledge to establish the rights of workers. As a singer whose songs are mainly inspired by the struggles and achievements of the working-class, what are your views on this year's May Day?

I feel that this day has brought forth many positive changes. This year, the coronavirus outbreak has affected people from all walks of life. As a result, the economically developed nations, who had allotted tons of money to strengthen their artillery, now have to relocate those funds to ensure food supplies and proper healthcare for everyone. Even nature has found the time to restore its resources and beauty, while pollution has lessened. The gap between social classes is getting narrower and a communion of friendship between masses is emerging. I see a truly united nation and the rebirth of universal brotherhood this May Day.

Among all the choices as a singer, why did you choose to pursue the genre of Gono Sangeet?

Gono Sangeet is particularly inspired by the journey of labourers. I believe that the daily workers are our biggest asset, as they form the foundation of our economy. In addition, be it a revival of our human rights to our language in 1952, the Liberation War in 1971, or the rebellion in 1990 -- no revolution is complete without Gono Sangeet. It speaks for the masses and is the key to positive reformation in the society. Thus, I treasure this genre of music as an asset and love it with all my heart.

Many of your popular songs are based on May Day.  Do you have any that are significant for you as an artiste?

Over the years, I have written and composed a wide array of songs on May Day and I have performed them for the masses, both at home and abroad. However, my personal favourites are Naam Tar Chhilo Henry, 1886 Shaler Pohela May Chicago Ae, Duniyar Mojdur Bhai Shob and Buk Bedhe Lorte Hobe.

Recently, thousands of garment workers returned to work in industrial belts in Dhaka and elsewhere amid the nationwide shutdown. Would you like to say anything regarding this issue?

I suppose the workers are afraid of losing their jobs. I would like to send out a request to the industrialists. Please try to pay the workers in due time and do not take away their jobs. Remember, their hard work is the reason behind your success; so, do not abandon my brothers and sisters in distress.   

As a prolific member of the music industry, what are your opinions about helping artistes who are struggling at this time?

My message to struggling artistes is that dawns welcome sunrises and every cloud has a silver lining. Although our reality is quite fragile at the moment, I hope that circumstances get better soon. In the meantime, I, along with renowned cultural personalities such as Asaduzzaman Noor, Ramendu Majumdar and many others, are working to facilitate food and other necessary goods for artistes in need.