Pre-launch discussion of 'Folk Melody of Bangladesh'

A press conference and pre-launch discussion of the book "Folk Melody of Bangladesh" was held in September 19, 2022, at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Authored by Iftekhar Anwar, "Folk Melody of Bangladesh" is a result of a decade-long research project on the origins and history of Bangladesh's traditional folk music and culture.

The project set out on its mission back in 2010, with a team consisting of experts and remarkably skilled music enthusiasts. The team explored and travelled Bangladesh in search of long-lost folk music scripts and other available resources. The project's aim was to establish a connection with the remaining disciples and descendants of the early folk music lyricists.

The seminar was graced by the presence of important figures in the Folk Music scene of Bangladesh: the favorite Lalon singer Farida Parveen, Folk Singer Arif Dewan, Folk Song Researcher and the Great Grandson of Hason Raja- Shamarin Dewan, and an expert and specialist the music of North Bengal Dr Jesmin Buli. Discourses revolved around the importance of the book, and the role it is going to play at representing Bangladesh's folk heritage at a global scale. The descendants of legendary folk lyricists Radharaman Dutta, Hason Raja, Ukil Munshi, Kalu Shah Fakir, Alepchan Dewan, Osman Khan, Bokhth Shah Chishti, Moheh Chandra Roy, AKM Abdul Aziz and many more were present at the seminar to show their love and support for the book launch.

"Folk Melody of Bangladesh" is essentially An Anthology of Bangladesh folk music. The book takes a step towards establishing the modernity of Bangladesh's folk music scene. "Modernity" is initially a western concept that is often misinterpreted in this subcontinent, and the author of this book intends to remove this stigma and bring our folk songs to the realms of modernity.  He wants new musicians, scholars, and teachers of this country and all around the world to learn, teach, and be inspired by our folk music heritage.

The book is set to be released in December 2022.