State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid said on Wednesday that eminent Bengali music composer and folk maestro Abbasuddin Ahmed inspired the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to fight for saving the mother language and rescuing the country from its oppressors.
“Folk legend Abbasuddin Ahmed is widely revered for his mesmerizing songs, and he motivated our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in person when they met. He told Bangabandhu, an avid fan of his songs, that the glorious Bengali language must be established as our state language and our culture must be saved, and the movement eventually sparked our battle for ultimate independence.”
The State Minister shared his remarks as the chief guest while attending an event titled “The Emperor of Folk Music Abbasuddin Ahmed and his artistic life” on Wednesday at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, Shahbagh, in the capital.
Organized by Bangladesh National Museum, the event was arranged marking the 120th birth anniversary of Abbasuddin Ahmed, also known as the emperor of folk music.
At the event, the keynote speech was presented by prominent writer, musician, vocalist and freedom fighter Bulbul Mahlanbish. Eminent singer Ferdausi Rahman, also the only daughter of Abbasuddin Ahmed, virtually joined the event and discussed the article.
Hosted by Khondoker Mostafizur Rahman (NDC), Director General of the National Museum, the event was presided over by the President of the Board of Trustees of the Museum, Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique.