by Showkot Marcel Khan

The lyrics of the songs Salam salam / hajar salam /Shahid bhaier shoroney or Hajar bachhor pore/ abar asechhi phire /Banglar bookey achi dariey penned by Fazle Lohani and Shymal Gupta respectively and sung by Abdul Jabbar during the war of independence still stir emotion in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh because these two songs and many more sung during the tumultuous days of the war of independence have become integral parts of our glorious history.
   As we became more familiar with the songs of Jabbar over the years, we could comprehend that only the deep-throated and melodious voice of the singer could do full justice to the soul–touching tunes. These songs were created by the extremely talented people who started the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the war of independence and played a pivotal role in stimulating the Bengalis with self-confidence, courage of conviction and strong optimism.
   In an informal chit-chat with the writer, Jabbar recalled how he along with his team, comprising writers and artistes who were passing the unsettling days in exile, used to perform different genre of music especially patriotic songs which greatly inspired the freedom fighters in their relentless fight against the Pakistan-led occupation forces.
   ‘By singing songs, the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra team was able to collect Tk 11 lac which was handed over to the then Bangladesh provisional government. The fund helped the government a lot in meeting the expenses of the military expeditions. Meanwhile, the government paid us Tk 100 each for pocket money every month,’ the singer said.
   There is not a shadow of doubt that Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra will always be remembered by future generations for its glorious role in the annals of the freedom movement. Who can forget Purbo digantey surjya uthechey / Rokto lal rokto lal or Teerhara ei dheuer shagor pari diborey or for that matter Joi Bangla Banglar joi Hobey hobey hobey hobey nishchoi? How true were these words! The Joi, that is victory, came on the morn of 16 December 1971. But throughout the nine months of the liberation war these songs not only inspired the freedom fighters, but they also created awareness among the common people all over Bangladesh about the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military forces.
   Jabbar also paid tribute to all the other singers, music directors, organisers and music hands, who spent hours at the Kendra to create all those memorable songs which have now become parts of our legacy.