Concert for Bangladesh
"A friend came to me, with sadness in his eyes, told me that he wanted help before his country dies, although I couldn't feel the pain, I knew I had to try, now I am asking all of you, help us save some lives. Bangladesh, Bangladesh where so many people are dying fast." These are the words of George Harrison, also known as the "shy Beatle", a popular British guitarist, singer and songwriter, whose contribution to the Bangladesh War of Liberation can not be denied. In 1971, when George Harrison was approached by his friend the great Ravi Shankar for help for flood and war ravaged Bangladesh, the concept of superstar concert benefit didn't exist. But Harrison wanted to help, and he had more than a few superstar friends he could call upon. The result was the Great Concert for Bangladesh that not only focused worldwide attention on the plight of the small South Asian nation, it also became the model for large scale big name benefits that are common today. Since we now have a democratic government in Bangladesh, and the government is trying to re-write the correct history of the war of independence, I would request the government and the ministry of education and cultural affairs to include George Harrison's name as a contributor towards our war of independence. There should be a formal recognition given by the government to George Harrison for the concert. The young and future Bangladeshis should not be deprived of the right to know about the correct history and the contributors behind our war of liberation.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments