Songs that ignited the spirit of freedom
Renowned folk singer Bipul Bhattacharjee was one of the choir members who rendered songs of masses and patriotic songs at the Mukti Bahini and refugee camps during our freedom movement.
In May 1971, Bipul crossed the border and went to Meghalaya to take part in the Liberation War. From there he went to Kolkata and joined Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK). Going back to those eventful days, Bipul said, "Initially I went to Kolkata to render songs at SBBK. There I met Wahedul Haque and other activists of Bangladesh Shilpi Shahittik Buddhijibi Samity (BSSBS) such as Sanjida Khatun, Rathindra Nath Roy, Mahmudur Rahman Benu and Shahin Samad."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "Wahedul Haque sent a choir group to Delhi which included singers such as Shahin Samad, Laila Hasan, Milia Ali, Dalia Nawsheen, Naila Khan, Flora Ahmed, M Moshad Ali, Mahmudur Rahman Benu and myself. We presented a musical soiree titled Rupantorer Gaan. It was a fundraiser for the freedom fighters. Later, we held similar fundraisers in Kolkata. The local singers also joined us in our effort," added Bipul.
The choir of BSSBS rendered Muktir Gaan (songs of freedom) at different refugee camps as well as at the dens of the Freedom Fighters. Moshad Ali was the lyricist and Mahmudur Rahman Benu was the team leader of the choir. Bipul Bhattacharjee took the lead in the chorus while rendering in folk tune. Bipul said, "The songs touched the heart of the valiant fighters, and they would often break down in tears, listening to our National Anthem at the camps. If American documentary maker Lear Levin had not recorded all those moments in his documentary, I could not have kept track of the places we travelled to.
"Jamil Chowdhury recorded 14 songs at Tollygunj, Kolkata of which I was the lead vocalist of six choruses, including Amay bol bol bolre, Pak poshoder marte hobe, Ful Khelbar din noy addya and others for SBBK," said Bipul.
Moreover, Bipul Bhattacharjee sang along with another troupe lead by Kalyani Ghosh. Uma Islam, Probal Chowdhury, Rafiqul Alam and others were active in this team.
"Undoubtedly the leaders and frontline fighters had major roles in our freedom movement. However the cultural activists also played a central part in these momentous times," said Bipul.