Singer, television presenter and social worker Dithi Anwar has returned to Bangladesh after spending more than a month and a half in the United States. Since her arrival a few days ago, she has resumed a busy schedule, balancing her responsibilities as a member of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board with new musical releases and plans to preserve songs for future generations.
On her way back to Bangladesh, Dithi attended an event organised by the Bangladesh Association in Dubai as a special guest. She performed at the programme and received a special honour. The event gave her an opportunity to connect with expatriate Bangladeshis through music before returning to her professional commitments at home.
Much of Dithi’s current activity centres on her YouTube channel, ‘Dithi Anwar’, where she regularly publishes original recordings and cover versions. Her recent releases include ‘Ekta Tajmahal Banaiya’, ‘De Re De Re Prem De Re’, ‘Akashke Proshno Koro’, ‘Ghorir Kata’ and ‘Emni Korei Ekdin’.
These songs carry particular personal significance for the singer, as their lyrics were written by her late father, celebrated lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar. His extensive contribution to Bangla music has left a substantial collection of songs that continue to hold a place in the country’s musical heritage. By recording his lyrics and making them available through her own channel, Dithi is bringing his work to listeners in a contemporary format.
Singer Apu Aman has collaborated with her on the duets. The releases reflect Dithi’s interest in revisiting established compositions while continuing to develop her own musical projects. They also provide a platform for listeners to rediscover songs written by one of Bangladesh’s best-known lyricists.
One of her latest projects is a new rendition of ‘Emni Korei Ekdin’, originally sung by Abida Sultana for the film ‘Nishana’. Dithi has reintroduced the song in her own voice, with her husband, Arif Chowdhury, appearing alongside her as a model in the accompanying video. The release brings a familiar film song to audiences through a fresh interpretation while retaining its connection with the original composition.
Dithi has also recorded a devotional song from the film ‘Chandidas O Rajakini’, released as part of a Mahalaya initiative organised by Bishwarang. Gazi Mazharul Anwar wrote the lyrics, while the music was composed by the late Alauddin Ali. Tanvir Alam Sajib has undertaken the new musical arrangement.
The project brings together the work of several established figures in Bangla music. It also demonstrates how songs from older films can be presented to contemporary audiences through new recordings and arrangements. The Mahalaya occasion, associated with the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations, provides a cultural setting for the devotional release.
Alongside her musical activities, Dithi continues to serve as a member of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board. Her schedule therefore involves both institutional responsibilities and creative work, including selecting songs, preparing recordings and managing releases through her digital platform.
Speaking about her busy routine, Dithi said she finds happiness in working. She explained that her two sons’ education requires her to spend a particular period of each year outside Bangladesh. When she is in the country, she makes time for her board responsibilities as well as her musical projects.
Her ambitions extend beyond releasing songs. Dithi hopes to develop her YouTube channel into a dedicated music archive, where recordings can remain accessible and serve as useful references in the future. She wants the songs to be preserved not simply for entertainment but also for their potential value to people seeking information about Bangla music.
Digital platforms offer artists a way to make recordings accessible beyond the period of their initial release. They can also help younger listeners discover older compositions that might otherwise be difficult to find. A well-organised collection may provide a useful resource for music enthusiasts, students and researchers interested in the work of lyricists and composers.
Dithi’s proposed archive is particularly meaningful because of its connection with her father’s songwriting legacy. By recording songs written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar, she is keeping his work in circulation while introducing it to audiences through her own performances. Her recent releases, including ‘Emni Korei Ekdin’ and the devotional song from ‘Chandidas O Rajakini’, form part of that effort.
With singing, television presentation, social service and film-related responsibilities all forming part of her professional life, Dithi continues to manage several commitments. Her current priorities remain focused on producing music, fulfilling her public duties and building a digital collection that could help preserve Bangla songs for generations to come.
