Remembering Azam Khan: The rock pioneer of Bangladesh

Azam Khan does not need any introduction. Popularly known as the pop-guru of Bangladesh, he is the pioneer of the rock music industry in our country. 

He was a change-maker. The history of Bangladesh rock music industry will never be completed without mentioning his contributions.

Today, on his birthday, we remember him with utter admiration.

Mahbubul Haque Khan, commonly known as Azam Khan, was born on February 28, 1950 in Dhaka. He popularized rock music in an independent Bangladesh, along with his contemporaries such as Fakir Alamgir, Ferdous Wahid, Firoz Shai, Najma Zaman, and Pilu Momtaz.  

In 1973, the rock icon formed his band, "Uchcharon" which became immensely popular due to his unique stage persona and different lyrical approach incorporated with rock and pop music. Azam Khan used to write lyrics and tune them himself.

Some of his popular numbers are "Ore Saleka, Ore Maleka," "Jibone Kichhu Pabona Re," "Ami Jare Chaire," "Ashi Ashi Bole Tumi," "Obhimani," "Rail liner bostite," "Hei Allah Hei Allah Re," "Alal O Dulal."

He left behind his legacy and inspirations for countless numbers of aspiring musicians who consider them as the "Rock Shamrat's" disciples.

This year, musician, activist, poet and writer, Maqsoodul Haque published a book, "History of Bangladeshi Rock – The Legacy of Azam Khan" at the Ekushey Book Fair. 

He told The Business Standard, "Azam Khan was like an elder brother to me, we connected on a spiritual level. His sense of humour was so great. It was my privilege that I got to know him closely. 

"I wanted to write the book to preserve my memories of him as faithfully as possible, and his contributions to the music industry as historical reference. Azam Khan established rock music in our country. His electrifying entrance at any concert, would give the audience members goose-bumps. He lived the rock life-style."

Zohad Reza Chowdhury, vocalist of the Nemesis said, "He totally started the rock revolution in Bangladesh. And you could relate to his lyrics as he talked about the social norms through his songs which really touched me when I first listened to his song.

"As we try to talk about social and political issues through our songs, you know, from that aspect, Azam Khan's songs are inspirations for the members of Nemesis. His contributions are immense and everybody looks up to him."

Zohad added, "It is sad that he was not really looked after which is very unfortunate. He was not really taken care of by anybody or the music industry itself. 

"He is the guru, and his songs will live forever."

Azam Khan was also a freedom fighter in sector 2 under Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf and fought against the Pakistani army during the Liberation War.

Last year, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak posthumously for his contribution to the Bangladeshi music industry. 

He breathed his last on June 5, 2011 at Dhaka CMH hospital at the age of 61. Azam Khan might not be among us anymore, but he is immortal and will live forever through his music.