The 21 February song will immortalize Abdul Gaffar Choudhury
Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury passed away at the age of 88., leaving us with a feeling of emptiness. Until the last day of his life he kept writing for his country and its people.
Abdul Gaffar Choudhury was a journalist, poet, novelist and lyricist. He started journalism in the fifties during the Pakistan period and was involved in the profession all his life, sometimes as a sub-editor in the news room, sometimes as a columnist, and sometimes as an editor. He has worked in all types of newspapers-be it left leaning or right. After the proclamation of six points by Bangabandhu in 1966, he published a full description of the programme in the evening daily Awaaz despite the fierce coercion from the government.
When the war of liberation started in 1971, he and his family crossed the border and reached Kolkata via Agartala. There he served as the executive editor of the weekly Joy Bangla, the mouthpiece of the Mujibnagar government. At that time he also wrote columns in the daily Anandabazar and Jugantar in Kolkata. After the independence of Bangladesh, Dainik Janpad was published in 1972. In 1974 he went to London for treatment of his ailing wife and stayed back there. Bangladesh always remained in his heart as reflected in his columns and political commentaries.
Abdul Gaffar Choudhury's multi-dimensional identity that has moved and inspired the whole nation is the song 'Amar bhayer roktey rangano'. This song is sung not only on the occasion of 21st February, but also on various occasions throughout the year. No other song has gained so much popularity after our national anthem 'Amar Sonar Bangla'. He will be immortal for this one song. This song will be sung by him from generation to generation. In this context, it is important to mention that Abdul Latif was the first composer of this song. The song was not so popular at that time. But after Altaf Mahmood composed the music of the song, it stirred the hearts of the people.
Besides journalism, Abdul Gaffar Choudhury has written stories, novels, memoirs and children's novels. Among his notable books are the legends of Chandradwiper Upakhyan, Samrater Chhabi, Dheerey bohey Buriganga. Bangali na Bangladeshi. Abdul Gaffar Choudhury was one of the first to protest the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975. Plassey theke Dhanmondi or Itihaser Rakhal Raja bears the proof.
Abdul Gaffar Choudhury had written a column in Prothom Alo for many years from the first issue. Earlier, he also wrote regularly column in Bhorer Kagoj. Many may not agree with his political views, but there was an amazing magic in his writing style, which easily attracted the reader. He has also made column writing popular in Bangladesh.
Abdul Gaffar Choudhury has been awarded many prizes including Swadhinata Padak and Ekushey Padak. But above everything there is no comparison of the place he has taken among the masses of Bangladesh for the song. As long as the Bengali language lasts, the song of Amar Ekushey written by Abdul Gaffar Choudhury will also remain. We are deeply saddened at his demise. Our heartiest tributes to him.