Rhymes of love for freedom

A young man collects, compiles them

24 December 2009, 17:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Nilphamari

Cover of the book 'Muktijuddha O Prabachan', a compilation of folk rhymes composed by rural people in northern districts during the Liberation War. Inset, compiler Raja Shahidul Aslam. Photo: STAR

A number of folk rhymes, composed and recited by the freedom loving people in rural areas of northern districts during the Liberation War, have been saved from gradual disappearance as a young admirer of literature has taken initiative to bring the great deeds of unsung heroes to light. Raja Shahidul Aslam, 38, now working as a pisciculture 'consultant' in Nilphamari, took the arduous task of collecting and compiling into book around 200 rhymes that helped to keep morale of common people high during the turbulent days of Liberation War against the Pakistani occupation army. The book titled 'Muktijudho O Probochan' was published in February this year. In absence of any initiative from the government or non-government organisations during the 38 years of independence, the inspiring folk literary items were heading towards getting lost forever. During the days of Liberation War, freedom loving people in rural areas continued their lofty spirit and unity even amid smell of gunpowder, sound of brush fire, screaming of people from Pak army's torture camps, and roaring of Pak army's heavy vehicles. With natural sense of humour and insight, they composed rhymes depicting atrocities of the barbaric Pak army, bravery of freedom fighters and shameful retreat of the Pak army. There were even reflection of the then politics, 1970 elections that saw victory of Awami League as the majority party, disapproval of religion-based parties, evil design of Pakistan president Yahya Khan to suppress Bangalees, strategy of freedom fighters and admiration of friendly countries, said locals. During the tumultuous period, people in groups gathered at night to listen to the programmes of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra including news and inspiring programmes like 'Jallader Darbar' and 'Charompatra'. Getting theme or information from the programmes, some of the audience would instantly compose rhymes and recited those. The rhymes would spread to many others as people loved to recite them during their work as well as leisure time. It was, however, a risky thing as armed 'Rajakars' (local collaborators of Pak army) would assault, even hand over to Pak army if someone was heard reciting the patriotic rhymes. Delighted to find the precious pieces of evidences of Liberation War at his native village, Raja Shahidul Aslam decided to collect and compile them. He moved from door to door, approaching people for the patriotic rhymes. "I wrote down the rhymes hearing from those who could recite it. It was a difficult task as many composers and direct listeners have died by this time and only a few of the new generation are interested in the matter," said Aslam. “There are hundreds of such patriotic folk rhymes that helped boost people's confidence about victory over the heavily armed Pak army. Steps should be taken for their preservation," he said. "By compiling the literary creations of our patriotic rural people during the Liberation War, Raja Shahidul Aslam has presented us a unique and laudable work," said Asaduzzaman Noor, lawmaker from a Nilphamari constituency, also a renowned cultural personality of the country.