Six years have passed since the untimely death of Ayub Bachchu, one of Bangladesh's most beloved musicians. Yet, his legacy lives on through his music and the iconic "Rupali Guitar" sculpture. Erected in his hometown of Chattogram shortly after his death in 2018, the sculpture was meant to honour his memory. However, over time, it had been left neglected, gathering dust and surrounded by litter.

The 18-foot-tall "Rupali Guitar," located at Probortok Mour, was built by the Chattogram City Corporation as a tribute to Bachchu, whose band LRB brought him nationwide fame and earned him a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis worldwide. But as the years passed, the sculpture fell into disrepair, with no regular maintenance. The situation changed on Sunday morning, thanks to one of Bachchu's devoted fans, Mohammad Mohsin, who took it upon himself to lead a cleanup effort.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Mohsin explained what drove him to act: "The 'Rupali Guitar' is very special to me. Every time I pass by it, I stop to admire it. But seeing it in such a state of neglect really upset me. Instead of waiting for someone else to take responsibility, I decided to step up myself."

A few days before the cleanup, Mohsin posted on Facebook, urging others to join him. His post read: "We all love taking selfies with the 'Rupali Guitar.' But today, when I went to take a photo, I was heartbroken to see its condition. I don't know whose responsibility this is, but I believe it's mine now. On December 8, at 6 am, I will be there with my family to clean it. You're all invited to join us."

Mohsin's call to action struck a chord. By Sunday morning, a group of volunteers had gathered at the site, eager to help. Together, they scrubbed, polished, and restored the monument, ensuring it once again stood as a gleaming tribute to the late rock legend.

The sculpture, which was installed in 2019, stands 18 feet high and 6 feet wide. It includes a water fountain and lighting installation, which made it an instant attraction for both locals and visitors. Over time, the "Rupali Guitar" became a symbol of pride for Chattogram, a place for fans to pay homage to their hero. Even recently, Partha Barua of Souls band was spotted posing for pictures with the sculpture, underscoring its emotional significance.

Mohsin, reflecting on the cleanup, said it wasn't just about the physical restoration. "Ayub Bachchu was deeply loved by all of us. He wasn't just a musician; he was a part of our lives. This was my way of giving back, of showing that love in a tangible way."

The initiative caught the attention of none other than Ayub Bachchu's wife, Ferdous Akhter Chandana. Posting a video of the cleanup on her Facebook page, she wrote: "Much respect to the musicians of Chattogram and everyone involved in this effort, especially Mohsin Bhai of PHP Group. My family and I are deeply grateful. Ayub Bachchu wasn't just a part of any political group—he belonged to music lovers all over the world. He will always be cherished with love, as he remains a national treasure, a true gem of this country."

The "Rupali Guitar" has now been restored to its rightful glory, serving as a reminder of the lasting impact Ayub Bachchu had on Bangladesh's music scene. For his fans, it's more than just a sculpture—it's a symbol of an enduring legacy.

Read more

Electrifying, eclectic, EZ