Dhaka:Legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed will be remembered on his 125th birth anniversary with a series of events on Tuesday. The celebrations will honor his significant contributions to Bengali music and the preservation of the region's rich folk traditions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and cultural institution Chhayanaut have organized separate programmes featuring discussions and musical performances as a tribute to the iconic artiste. Abbasuddin Ahmed is celebrated for popularising Bhawaiya and other forms of Bengali folk music.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will host a programme titled 'Oki Gariyal Bhai' at 6 pm at its National Music and Dance Centre auditorium. This event, under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will include discussions and musical performances in memory of the legendary singer. Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is expected to attend as the chief guest, with Professor Dr. Nashid Kamal delivering the keynote address. Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum will join as a special guest, and Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, the academy's acting director general, will preside over the programme.
Chhayanaut will also commemorate Abbasuddin Ahmed with a special edition of its 'Shrotar Ashor' from 630 pm to 8 pm at its auditorium. Seven artistes, including Kiran Chandra Roy and Chandana Majumdar, will perform in tribute to Abbasuddin and his musical legacy. The event is open to the public and will be streamed live on Chhayanaut's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Born on October 27, 1901, in Balarampur village, Abbasuddin Ahmed became a pivotal figure in Bengali music. His distinctive voice and emotive delivery brought the musical traditions of rural Bengal to a broader audience. Despite receiving brief training from music maestros, he was largely self-taught and played a significant role in popularising folk songs through gramophone recordings. His association with Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh, marked an important chapter in his career.
Abbasuddin's contributions were recognized with numerous awards posthumously, including the Pride of Performance Award in 1960 and the Independence Day Award in 1981. His recordings continue to connect listeners with the musical heritage of Bengal.