Folk music programme and discussion

Folk music performance at the event

Abdul Alim possessed a powerful voice that immortalised Bangladeshi folk songs. His overpowering voice highlighted the essence of the 'songs of our soil' and mesmerised the audience. Born in Murshidabad, West Bengal, he migrated to Dhaka after partition, and joined the radio as a staff artist. During his brilliant musical career he performed at a number of music conferences. He received five gold medals for his outstanding performance and contribution to music at the Pakistan Music conference in Lahore.

Speaking on Abdul Alim, noted folk singer and founding president of BLSP Indra Mohon Rajbangshi said, "I went to China to attend a programme once and after i performed Aar koto kaal bhasbo ami dukher Shari gaiyya, our guide came running and said that he had heard this song before. An artiste named Abdul Alim came to China years ago and rendered the song. Apparently, he could never forget that voice."

"Our young generation has never heard this wonderful voice. They cannot even realise what they are missing," added Indra.

Cultural personality Asad Chowdury said "Once we all were going on a train and Abdul Alim was with us. On the way the people blocked the tracks and some were even lying on it. They wanted to catch a glimpse of the legendary singer."

Chief Guest of the event, chairman of Telelink, Syed Margub Morshed said, "Folk songs are inherent treasures of Bangladeshi culture. We should preserve it because without folk song our culture would be without roots."

After the discussion folk artistes of the organisation performed some of Abdul Alim's evergreen songs.

The event was presided over by Akramul Islam, senior vice president of BLSP.