Fakir Alamgir laid to rest

Noted folk singer Fakir Alamgir was laid to eternal rest with state honours at Khilgaon's Taltola Graveyard yesterday. He was buried following his second namaz-e-janaza -- maintaining health guidelines -- after Zuhr prayers.

Earlier in the morning, the first namaz-e-janaza of the eminent singer was held at the Pallima Sangsad premises at Khilgaon. Later, his mortal remains were taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for people to pay their last respect.

Paying his tributes there, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud termed Fakir Alamgir a legend.
 

After placing wreath on the coffin of Fakir Alamgir, he said the contribution of Fakir Alamgir to the Liberation War and democratic movements will remain written in golden letters. "Artistes like Fakir Alamgir are not created in one day. He has become a legend after many years of pursuit," said

The legendary singer and freedom fighter passed away on Friday at 10:56pm at the capital's United Hospital. He was 71.

He had been suffering from Covid-19 infection and was admitted to the hospital on July 15 after his condition rapidly deteriorated. He also suffered a heart attack while under ventilation around 10pm.

Fakir Alamgir was one of the leading exponents of Gono Sangeet -- the songs of the masses -- in the country. Synonymous with voicing the rights of the voiceless, he was one of the most beloved artistes of his generation.

Born in Faridpur, Fakir Alamgir started his music career in 1966. During his student life, he was active in politics, while also writing Gono Sangeet to instil a sense of justice among the masses. He was a student of Mass Communication and Journalism in Dhaka University.

He played an important role as a member of Kranti Shilpi Gosthi and Gono Shilpi Gosthi during the mass upsurge in 1969. The legendary singer worked with Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the Liberation War.

In 1976, he founded "Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi", an organisation that has served this country's music scene for over four decades. He has also served as the president of Gono Sangeet Shamanya Parishad.

An avid writer, Fakir Alamgir published his first book "Chena Chena" in 1984.

"Muktijuddher Smriti Bijoyer Gaan" and "Gono Sangeeter Otit O Bortoman" are some of his notable books. "Amar Kotha", "Jara Achhen Hridoy Potey" and "Smriti Alaponey Muktijuddho" were also very popular.

The noted singer was also recognised with awards in his lifetime, including Ekushey Padak, Bhashani Padak, and Sequence Award of Honour.