The pop guru of Bangladesh is no more. The man, who valiantly fought for the country in the 1971 Liberation War and later
inspired millions with his unique music style, lost his long battle for life at 10:20am yesterday at Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
The 62-year-old pop legend suffered a massive cardiac attack around 9:30am. Commandant of Dhaka CMH Brig Gen Mehboobul Haque said the life support machine on which he had been since May 27 was taken off at about 10:20am.
Azam Khan left behind two daughters and one son and a nation to mourn his death.
During the country's Liberation War, he inspired fellow freedom fighters in the training camps of India and in battle fields with his songs. He also fought against the Pakistani occupation army under sector-2 of the liberation force.
In June last year, he was diagnosed with oral cancer and was treated in Singapore, where he received chemotherapy. Eventually, he was admitted to Square Hospital in the capital on May 22. With his health condition remaining unchanged, the pop star was moved to CMHonJune 1.
A talented singer, composer and guitarist born on February 28, 1950, one of his lifetime's greatest feats lies after the inde-pendence when he emerged as a symbol for the youth just returning from the battle fields of the bloody war.
It was then that Azam Khan startled the nation with a new genre of music blending western music with spiritual folk songs. In
a piercing voice, guitar in hand and drums in the background, he sang of the realities of life and of the common people and won hearts of millions, especially youths. Generations of music lovers adored him for his simple but gorgeous tunes.
Some of his popular pieces include: "Ore Saleka, Ore Maleka", "Jibone Kichu Pabona Re", "Ami Jare Chaire", "Asi Asi Bole Tumi", "Obhimani" and "Rail liner oi bostite.”
Another goes: "Hey Allah, eto sundar duniay kisui robena re/ hey Allah, hey Allah re. Taka, dhan, bari, gari sab jabe haoai urey," (nothing would be there for you in this beautiful world: money, wealth, mansion and car, all would evaporate.)
Despite immense popularity, the guru suffered financial hardship but never sought any help from anybody. He rather spoke about his sense of dignity, his friends said.
As the news of his death spread, singers and musicians flocked the CMH amid restriction on movements in the cantonment area.
Prime Minister's Special Assistant Mahbubul Alam
Hanif told reporters that Azam Khan's body would be taken to Shaheed Minar this morning for the people to pay tribute.
He will be buried at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard after his namaz-e-janaza at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the afternoon, Hanif added.
Azam Khan has departed from the world leaving behind a legacy of love, justice, courage and of sacrifice.
For in one of his songs he says: “Nei kono obhijog/ Jome thaka dukha tile tile hoese pahar soman/Nei khono obhijog....’’ (I have no complaint/ Accumulated sorrows have formed a mountain/I have no complaint....)
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