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Ayub Bachchu's 20 song project
Published : Tuesday, 1 September, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Observer Online Report
An initiative was launched to release 20 of Ayub Bachchu’s popular songs-includi“Rupali Guitar,” “Neel Bedona,” “Madhobi,” “Shei Tumi” and “Koshto Pete Bhalobashi”-with new musical arrangements. Eight bands and 12 singers were supposed to perform the songs.
The project, titled “Uttoradhikar,” was launched with much fanfare on August 16, the late singer’s birthday. However, after seven songs were released, the project has been temporarily suspended amid criticism. It has also been decided to withdraw four of the released songs from all digital platforms, including YouTube and Spotify, while keeping three songs available. The remaining 13 songs will also not be released for the time being.
The album was originally scheduled to be released in CD format on Ayub Bachchu’s birthday, but that could not be done that day. Instead, the songs began being released on digital platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
The first song released was “Rupali Guitar,” sung by Bappa Mazumder with a new musical arrangement. Six more songs were subsequently released. The band Shonar Bangla Circus performed “Gotokal Rate,” Kaniz Suborna sang “Koshto Pete Bhalobashi,” Joy Shahriar performed “Koshto Kake Bole,” Palash sang “Apon Keho Nai,” Autumnal Moon performed “Hawker,” and Adit sang “Ghumonto Shohore.”
Except for the three songs performed by Bappa Mazumder, Shonar Bangla Circus and Palash, the other songs faced strong criticism. Ayub Bachchu’s fans raised questions not only about the vocal performances but also about the new musical arrangements.
Following the criticism, those involved in “Uttoradhikar” held several rounds of discussions about the project. Finally, all stakeholders involved in the project met at a coffee shop in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area last Sunday evening. It was decided there that the four released songs would be withdrawn and the remaining 13 unreleased songs would not be released for the time being.
Shamim Ahmed, Ayub Bachchu’s longtime companion and a former member of LRB, said, “Boss (Ayub Bachchu) is an emotional figure for everyone. Everyone has agreed that his timeless creations cannot be devalued in this way. Soon, we will speak with all members of Boss’s family and form a panel based on their opinions. The songs will be released only if they all consider them appropriate.”
Regarding the matter, Ayub Bachchu’s wife Ferdous Akter said that the project has been temporarily suspended.
Some people involved in the project said that the songs were intended as a tribute to Ayub Bachchu, whom they deeply admired. They also said that none of them had benefited financially from the project. Everyone has the right to say that they did not like a song, they said, but saying that no one can sing Ayub Bachchu’s songs would amount to a form of extremism.
The money generated from the project was supposed to be used to establish the Ayub Bachchu Museum.
-MT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
