Cultural arena united in grief over losing a true giant

Ekushey Padak recipient mass-music legend Fakir Alamgir passed away on Friday night, and noted personalities in the cultural arena of Bangladesh have shared their deep condolence and reminisce fond memories with the singer, ever since the news of his departure broke into the news.

Aged 71, the beloved singer breathed his last on Friday night, hours after suffering a heart attack at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the United Hospital, where he was admitted since mid-July after catching Covid-19.

Sharing his tribute, Hanif Sanket, creator of the popular magazine show 'Ittyadi' wrote on his official Facebook page: "Fakir Alamgir, the artist of the masses, has passed away. I am feeling the pain of losing a relative in the news of the sudden death of this great artist, filled with human qualities. Recently I was quite alarmed at the news of his illness and I was also keeping my eyes on his updates. I spoke to Bhabhi two days ago and she informed me that he was a little stable and asked for prayers."

"I saw a glimmer of hope," he added; "but he lost his battle against the deadly coronavirus. He has always played a leading role in various movements for the rights of the artists, just as he has inspired people in various movements. In the cultural arena, he has always been by the side of everyone's happiness and sorrow. I have a lot of conversations with him - many stories - many memories. I remember the memorable times when we attended many events together. I seek his forgiveness and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family."

Noble Laureate and recently conferred with the prestigious Olympic Laurel, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus said he is deeply saddened by the news, and shared a fond memory with the singer, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of mass artist Fakir Alamgir, a prominent freedom fighter and artist of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. His departure is an irreparable loss to Bengali culture, especially folk music. Throughout his life, he sang in the language of the souls of the poor and miserable people and he was always vocal in various movements. His folk music touched my heart with his performance about the Grameen Bank service at the Nobel Prize-winning public reception in October 2006."

Alamgir was a pivotal member of the Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance, and its current President Advocate Tarana Halim wrote, "On behalf of the Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family on the death of Fakir Alamgir, the eminent Ekushey Medal recipient and legendary performer of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. His role in popularizing the folk music of this country will forever be memorable."

Kaushik Hossain Taposh, musician, Managing Director and CEO of private television channel Gaan Bangla Television who worked with Fakir Alamgir on his reprised presentation of Alamgir's massively popular song 'O Sokhina' at the channels 'Wind of Change' programme said, "Rest in Peace dearest Fakir bhai! May Allah bless you. No words will be enough to express our feelings."

Prominent singer Kanak Chapa wrote on her Facebook: "Our Fakir Alamgir is gone! Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. The man with the vitality of such an energized young man got defeated by the terrible claws of Corona! I'm in mourning, I do not have the language to express this regret."

"He fought for Mass-Music throughout his whole life. He became the spokesman of the masses. He was the lifeblood of our folk music," she added.

Popular actor and singer Chanchal Chowdhury wrote, "Fakir bhai, stay well in your afterlife. You used to like taking photographs. We couldn't take the last photo together."

Noted thespian and Member of the Parliament Suborna Mustafa said, "Fakir Alamgir - the end of an era. Deepest respect to the departed soul. Our music world won't be the same without him. Condolences to his family and friends, may his soul rest in eternal peace."

Singer and journalist Elita Karim wrote, "Goodbye Fakir Alamgir - a legend, a changemaker, a patriot, a young heart, a happy person - thank you for showing us all respect and giving us all so much love! May you rest in peace."

Apart from the cultural personalities, several cultural institutions and organizations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Liberation War Museum Bangladesh, Chhayanaut, Bangabandhu Cultural Alliance and more have also paid respect to the legendary singer.

Fakir Alamgir was laid to eternal rest earlier today at the Taltola Graveyard, following a last namaz-e-janaza post-Zuhr at the Khilgaon Matir Mosque.