Stand by Abdul Jabbar

Abdul Jabbar with his spirited songs inspired freedom fighters and the nation during the country's Liberation War in 1971.

The artiste of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra also donated money, collected through singing at different concerts, to the Liberation War fund during the war.

Now, the eminent singer is undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital. He got admitted to the hospital with acute kidney and heart diseases.

“I did selflessly as much as I could for the country's liberation. I didn't think of money…,” Abdul Jabbar told journalists when Krishak Sramik Janata League President Abdul Kader Siddique paid a visit to him at the hospital on Thursday.

About financial support from the government, he said, “Why should I ask the government for the support? It will take care of me by its own initiative.” He asked people to pray for him and wished to be buried in Tungipara of Gopalganj where Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was buried.

Kader Siddique said Abdul Jabbar is a national personality as he has made a significant contribution to the country's independence.

He urged the government and the solvent people of the society to stand by the singer.

Brig Gen Md Abdullah-Al-Harun, director of BSMMU, on Thursday said a medical board will be formed for his treatment, and then the board will decide about the next course of action.

Abdul Jabbar, president of Bangladesh Sangskritik Parishad, won various awards including Ekushey Padak (1980) and Shadhinota Padak (1996).

"Salam Salam Hajar Salam", "Joy Bangla Banglar Joy" and "Tumi Ki Dekheso Kobhu Jiboner Porajoy" are some of his most popular hits.