On the 5th death anniversary of Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, a musical evening were organized where all his favorite songs were played. The program was organized by Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad Smriti Sangsad.
In the program renowned artist Sutpa Saha, Abhaya Dutta, Farzana Akhter Poppy, Sudip Sarkar and Mustafizur RahmanTurJo played Robindro Sangeet( Tagore Song) while Asit Biswas, Pradip Roy and Subir Ghosh played the musical instruments. The program was organised at the Ramesh Chandra Datta Memorial Center, Chayant Bhawan on 26 May 2017 at evening. Besides playing the favorite songs of Prof. Ahmad eminent personality of the country recall their memory with him.
The program was started with the song “ Aguner Poroshmoni Chouao Prane” a popular Tagore song. After that, the convener of the Prof. Muzaffer Ahmad Smriti Sangsad, Prof. Nazrul Islam gave his welcome speech. He said, “This year we organized the program in different manner.”
“Professor Muzaffer Ahmad was a famous economist and professor. At the same time he was a humble man and connoisseur of beauty. He was very fond of music and a passionate person. He was also a reputed researcher. And most importantly, he was a patriotic man. We found the glimpse of his patriotic feelings in his favorite songs. We remember him today with special respect.”- he added further.
Professor Ahmad’s wife Roushan Jahan could not attend the program due to illness. On behalf of her the moderator of the program read the written statement. In the statement she said, mentioning the reason of organizing such program that “ Rabindranath was the favorite poet of Muzaffer in Bengali Literature. Referring to Rabindranath’s devotional song, she stated that Prof. Ahmad was a believer, so the feelings and intonation of his mind were mixed with those songs. Rabindranath’s Gitanjali was his favorite poem, she also mentioned in the statement. She further stated that through Tagore songs he could surrender himself humbly to the Creator, on the other hand he would be able to find freedom and enthusiasm.
For example: Referring to a song, “ Jodi tor Dak Shune Keou Na ashe, Tobe ekla cholo re ( if no one comes to your call, then go alone)” … she stated that Prof. Ahmad always spoke of truth and honesty, spent his entire lifetime with the belief. Whenever, he was in this journey many may not followed him, disowned him but he did not lose hope and determined to follow the path of truth and honesty, no matter whatever the consequence were. And that crucial period of his life, this song and Tagore’s work inspired him to be more determined. Quoting Prof. Ahmad she stated that those who are on the right track and on the path of justice should not be afraid. Maybe the journey is tough but it is more dignified. In the statement she urged all humbly to take the path of truth and honesty.
Professor Ahmad’s younger son, Mamtazul Karim, spoke on behalf of the family. The program was moderated by Bidhan Chandra Pal, Member Secretary, Professor Muzaffer Ahmad Smriti Sangsad. In the program the artists sang the favorite songs of Professor Muzaffer Ahmad. Among the songs- “ Jibon Jokhon Shukaye Jay Korunadharaay eso’; ‘ Amar matha noto kore daw he’, ‘Klantiamay Khoma koro he probhu’; ‘Tumi joto var diyecho she var’; ‘ Anondo dhara bohiche Bhubone’; ‘Je drubopod diecho obadhi’; ‘Dariye acho tumi amar ganer opare’; ‘Tomar osime Pranomon loye,’ ‘Arup Tomarbani’; and ‘ Amare tumio shesh korecho’ were sung. At the end of the program a song was sung jointly by all the artists “ Amar Mukti ei akash e aloy aloy”.
In the short speech Prof. Ahmad’s friend Kamal Hossain said that he will be remembered forever. He said “Prof. Ahmad used to speak the right words that showed us the way and we miss him every single day.” He also added “His example encourages us in various ways”.
Dr. Wahid Uddin Mahmud remarked the program as different. He said “I have never seen such program. Remembering someone with his favorite song while the person is an economist, is really an exception idea. We will never get any such person like him.”
In the program, Khandaker Ibrahim Khaled, Hamida Hossain, Dr. Simeen Mahmud, Khondakar Ibrahim Khaled, Sharmin Murshid, Tajima Hossain Majumdar and Zakir Hossain were present along with the persons associated with Smriti Sangsad, representatives of different organizations. Professor Ahmad’s eldest son Sirajul Amin and son-in-law Mirza Hasan were also present in the program. Amid the break of the program, Moderator Bidhan Chandra Pal recited two poems of Prof. Ahmad.