Intense times tend to raise intense art. The Liberation War of 1971 was an emotional period for Bangladeshis and the songs of that period encapsulated a reservoir of emotions: patriotism, hope, longing, loneliness, and love.
During the liberation war, many patriotic songs were transmitted from Kolkata-based Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, a radio broadcasting centre which later became a legend. During the whole period of the war, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra successfully carried out its intellectual war like an organised front and aired patriotic songs greatly inspiring the freedom fighters in their relentless fight against the Pakistan occupation forces.
There are many who have sacrificed their lives for the independence of the country while many people took up literature, music and art to fight. One such gem of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra is Gobinda Halder who fought the battle no less valiantly with his powerful words. This brave soul passed away yesterday.
In a conversation with the Dhaka Tribune, Rafiqul Alam, a freedom fighter and a music composer of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra said: “During 1971, Gobinda Halder was not as popular as other poets in Kolkata. I went to his small house only once to lend my voice for ‘Ek Sagor Rokter Binimoye,’ which was composed by Apel Mahmud. We recorded that at his place.”
Shujoy Sham, another music director and singer of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra recalled: “I have never met him. But, he used to send his lyrics in a diary to the radio station. He sent the lyrics of ‘Mora Ekti Phul Ke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori’ to Kamal Lohani. His enriched lyrics of ‘Purbo Digonte Shurjo Utheche’ and ‘Ek Sagor Rokter Binimoyee’ are some of the most popular songs of freedom. He never came to Bangladesh but the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra will always be grateful to his words, which boost up the spirit of the liberation war.”
The famous composer had been undergoing treatment for old-age ailments since November 13 last year.