In Remembrance Md Abdul Jabbar

Abdul Jabbar, the playback singer—more than a name, a chapter of history; more than a voice, an era. He was a symbol of inspiration deeply embedded in the Bengali heart.

At moments when wounded hearts—scarred and heavy with sighs—sought even fleeting solace, it was Abdul Jabbar whose mellifluous voice offered a gentle balm. On the silver screen, in scenes of separation, sorrow and inner struggle, one or two of his songs became almost inevitable. His generous, emotionally charged voice would elevate the entire film, lending it depth and resonance.

During the great Liberation War of 1971, he became the voice of a struggling nation by lending his voice to countless stirring songs broadcast from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, including “Salam Salam Hazar Salam” and “Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy”. These songs earned him immense respect, boundless love, and a permanent place in history.

Three of his songs—“Tumi Ki Dekhechho Kobhu Jiboner Porajoy”, “Salam Salam Hazar Salam”, and “Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy”—were voted into the list of the twenty greatest Bengali songs of all time by BBC Bangla listeners in March 2006.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bengali music, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1980 and the Independence Award in 1996.

Birth and Early Musical Journey

Abdul Jabbar was born on 10 February 1938 in Kushtia district. He passed his matriculation examination in 1956 and received formal musical training under Ustad Osman Ghani and Ustad Lutfool Haque. From 1958, he was enlisted as an artiste with the then Pakistan Radio.

He first lent his voice to films as a playback singer in 1962, and from 1964 became a regular performer on Bangladesh Television (BTV). In the same year, he sang playback for Sangam, directed by Zahir Raihan—the first colour film of then East Pakistan.

Timeless Songs and Films

In 1968, his song “Tumi Ki Dekhechho Kobhu”, composed by Satya Saha for the film Etotuku Asha (directed by Mita), touched listeners’ hearts and continues to do so even today. This was followed by classics such as “Sucharita Jeyo Nako Aro Kichhukkhon Thako” from Dheu’er Por Dheu (music by Raja Hossain Khan), “Pitch Dhala Ei Poth Tare Bhalobesechhi” from Pitch Dhala Poth (1970, music by Robin Ghosh), and the title song “Manush To Noy Nacher Putul” from Nacher Putul (1971). Each remains unique in the history of Bengali film music.

In 1978, his song “Ore Neel Doriya”, composed by Alam Khan for the film Sareng Bou, achieved immense popularity and immortalised him among a new generation of listeners.

Original Songs and Personal Life

Under the composition and musical direction of lyricist, composer and music director Golam Sarwar, Abdul Jabbar’s only album of original songs, Kothay Amar Neel Doriya, was released. Songs such as “Amake Tomader Bhalo Na Lagle” and “Ekhane Amar Padma Meghna”, also composed by Golam Sarwar, gained widespread acclaim.

His wife, Shaheen Jabbar, was a lyricist whose words were sung not only by Abdul Jabbar but also by artistes such as Subir Nandi and Fatema Tuz Johra. Their son, Mithun Jabbar, is also a singer.

An Unforgettable Role in the Liberation War

During the Liberation War, Abdul Jabbar’s contribution extended far beyond song—into action and sacrifice. Alongside the legendary singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, he worked in various parts of Mumbai to build international support for Bangladesh’s independence. He travelled to freedom fighters’ camps in Kolkata, playing the harmonium and performing mass songs to inspire and strengthen their morale.

From these performances, he donated twelve lakh rupees to the relief fund of the Government of independent Bangladesh—an enduring testament to his patriotism.

And so, even today, his words echo in memory:

“My thoughts, like an injured bird,
Will fall into the dust of the road—
This was never meant to be…
Dreams painted in seven colours,
Suddenly folding their wings—
This was never meant to be…”

On 30 August 2017, defying all efforts, this brilliant star of the Bengali musical sky—Md Abdul Jabbar—was extinguished forever.

Yet his voice, his songs, and his love for the country
continue to live on
in millions of hearts.

A heartfelt tribute.