The interim government has nominated eight distinguished individuals for the 2025 Independence Award, recognising their outstanding contributions at the national level. Among the honourees is the King of Pop, Azam Khan, whose nomination has sparked widespread reactions on social media. A high-level government source confirmed the news today, Thursday.

Let's take a quick look at the life and contributions of Azam Khan.

Bir Muktijoddha (Valiant Freedom Fighter) and Pop King Azam Khan was born on February 28, 1950, in the Azimpur Government Colony of Dhaka. His full name was Mahbubul Haque Khan, and he was the son of Aftab Uddin Ahmed and Jobeda Khatun.

In 1955, Azam Khan was first admitted to Dhakeshwari School in Azimpur. From 1956 onwards, he lived in Kamalapur and remained there until his passing.

During the 1969 mass uprising, Azam Khan took a stand against the Pakistani ruling regime. At that time, he was an active member of the cultural group Kranti Shilpi Goshthi. 

In 1970, he completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in the commerce stream from T&T College.

In 1971, he directly participated in the Liberation War. His first battle took place in Salda, Cumilla. He served as a section in-charge in Sector 2. 

As a section commander, he took part in several guerrilla operations in and around Dhaka. He was entrusted with overseeing guerrilla operations in the Jatrabari-Gulshan areas. Under his leadership, Operation Titas was carried out.

After independence, his band Uchcharon created a sensation. In 1972, his songs "Eto Shundor Duniya Kichhui Robe Na Re" and "Char Kalema Shakkhi Debe" were aired on BTV and received widespread acclaim. 

Later, in 1974, he gained significant recognition by performing the song "Rail Linerr Oi Bostite" on BTV.

In 1982, Azam Khan released his first cassette, titled "Ek Jug". His first CD, produced by Disco Recording, was released on May 3, 1999.

Among Azam Khan's popular songs are "Ami Jare Chaire", "Ore Saleka Ore Maleka", "Alal O Dulal", "Accident", "Anamika", "Abhimani", "Asi Asi Bole", "High Court-er Majare", "Papri", "Badha Dio Na", and "Je Meye Chokhe Dekhe Na", among others.

Apart from his musical career, the singer ventured into acting, starring in the Hiromon series drama "Kala Baul" in 1986. Later, in 2003, he took on the titular role in the film "Godfather", directed by Shaheen-Suman.

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In 2003, he appeared as a model in an advertisement for Crown Energy Drinks. His final appearance as a model was in 2010 for an advertisement for Cobra Drinks.

In 2010, Azam Khan was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on June 5, 2011, and was laid to rest at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard.