The US Agency for International Development (USAID) with the US Embassy, has released a song titled “Joy Hobe” to recognize and thank frontline workers providing essential services in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the outbreak of the virus in March, Bangladeshi frontline workers have been working tirelessly around the clock and risking their own lives, helping people stay home and prevent the spread of Covid-19.
This USAID funded initiative was undertaken by ABC Radio (FM 89.2) as a tribute to these real-life superheroes, said a statement issued by the embassy.
The song was sung by prominent musician Fuad Al Muqtadir and also featured a group of talented young Bangladeshi singers, including Zohad, Elita, Xefer, Rafa, Tashfee, Palbasha, Emil, and Issa (Farooque Bhai Project).
The video for the song was filmed by the artists themselves from their homes as they do their part to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, said the press release.
The song premiered jointly on USAID Bangladesh’s social media platforms, and the Facebook pages of ABC Radio and Prothom Alo.
Ambassador Earl R Miller said: “They [frontline workers] perform remarkable acts of service every day—healthcare workers, police, customs officials, journalists, people who work in grocery stores and pharmacies and other businesses, and so many more, so we have what we need to care for ourselves and our families.
“You are all genuine heroes. You deserve our immense gratitude.”
USAID Mission Director Derrick S Brown said: “We have tremendous respect for the hard work and sacrifice of frontline workers of all stripes—not only doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, but those who clean our hospitals, prepare and deliver our food, keep essential shops open, determine vital policies, transport crucial goods, and report on what is happening.
“They deserve our warmest thanks. We must continue to do all we can to ensure their safety and security as they help us stay safe and informed.”