A tribute album featuring 20 of late band star Ayub Bachchu’s popular songs has sparked controversy, with some fans demanding that one of the tracks be removed from YouTube.
Titled Uttoradhikar, the album features new arrangements of Bachchu’s songs by contemporary bands and artists. The project aims to introduce his music to a new generation, while proceeds will go towards establishing an Ayub Bachchu museum. The album began releasing on YouTube on 16 August, Bachchu’s birth anniversary, with Bappa Mazumder performing the first track, Rupali Guitar. Seven songs have been released so far.
Among them, Adit Rahman’s rendition of Ghumonto Shohore has drawn the strongest criticism on social media. Alongside a new arrangement, Adit also changed the vocal style. Many Bachchu fans feel that his approach has weakened the emotion and appeal of the original song. Some have called the rendition disrespectful to the late musician and demanded its removal from YouTube. A few have even threatened legal action if the demand is not met.
One YouTube user wrote, “Bacchu bhai-ke evabe opoman kora uchit hoyni, ganer bhitore kono pran nei.” Bayzid Siam commented, “Gaaner 12-ta bajiye diyeche.” Another frustrated listener wrote, “Ki gaanre ki koreche. Ganta pura shesh.”
Not everyone has criticised the project. Several artists marked Bachchu’s birth anniversary by performing his songs and playing his guitar. Molla Babu’s rendition of Kosto Kake Bole received praise on social media.
Speaking about Uttoradhikar and Ghumonto Shohore, Molla Babu said he wants to continue singing Bachchu’s songs while maintaining respect for the late artist. He described the album’s songs as beautiful but said he could not find the same appeal in Ghumonto Shohore after listening to it following the online criticism.
The album has also brought guitarist Abdullah Al Masud, Bachchu’s longtime associate in LRB and general secretary of the Ayub Bachchu Foundation, into the discussion. After Bachchu’s death, Masud had worked on his songs in various ways. However, in a lengthy social media post, he made it clear that he has no involvement with Uttoradhikar.
Masud wrote, “I understand the reason behind the anger and heat among Ayub Bachchu’s fans and listeners surrounding the ongoing Uttoradhikar project. However, it is personally important for me to clarify the mistakes and confusion linking me to this project. From the beginning of the Uttoradhikar project until today, I have had no involvement in any decision or any work.”
He also stressed that anyone performing Bachchu’s songs should ensure that their emotion, dignity and original feeling remain intact. In his view, an artist’s creations are their greatest legacy after death. He said he had never been involved in, was not involved in, and would never be involved in any work that could disrespect Bachchu’s creations or undermine what he left behind.
