Rafiqul Alam has made a name for himself in the country's music industry in the past few decades with his melodious voice. A singer of the famous Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro he sang many patriotic songs to lift the spirits of Freedom Fighters during the Liberation War. The veteran recently spoke to The Daily Star about the songs rendered by him ahead of the day of victory.

 “We felt helpless and sad when we left the country for West Bengal in India and started singing as a singer of Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro during the 1971 Liberation War,” Rafiqul Alam told The Daily Star.

“It all happened because we were very worried over country's independence, but on December 14, we the artistes of Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro heard that the occupation forces retreated to Dhaka from Jessore Cantonment, and started to feel like the country would be freed from the Pakistani army soon.”

“The following day, we recorded a chorus song, titled 'Bijoy Nishan Urcche Oi', composed by Sujeyo Shyam. It was the last song we recorded for Shadhin Bangla Betar.”

“On December 15, some artistes of Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro came back to the country but I stayed there for few more days. The country became independent on December 16. After getting the taste of freedom, it seemed to us that we had been reborn. I still remember the celebrations that began with crackers blasting on the night of Victory. We had great fun the whole night then.”

“Finally, I came back to the Independent Bangladesh. As I'm a singer, I got more involved with music later. In my long career span, I rendered many songs of victory and country, including 'Amar Baul Moner Ektara Ta', 'Ekti Doyel Bon-e Dakle Ami Bangladesher Gaan Shuni' and many more.”

“Ahead of this year's Victory Day, I sang a song 'Keu Bojhe Keu Bujhte Chai Na' to be aired on ATN Bangla. Apart from this, a profile on me will be screened as the artiste of Liberation War and Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro. The programme has been directed by Hanif Sangket. Besides, I will perform at Bangabhaban on the day.”

“Music is very powerful. When we rendered songs at Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro, the tracks inspired the Freedom Fighters. It makes me very proud that I did something for the country during the Liberation War as a singer.”