An initiative had been launched to release 20 popular songs by Ayub Bachchu—including Rupali Guitar, Neel Bedona, Madhobi, Sei Tumi and Kosto Pete Bhalobashi—with new musical arrangements.
Eight bands and 12 artists were set to perform the songs as part of the project titled Uttoradhikar.
The project was launched on August 16, the late musician’s birthday, with much fanfare.
However, following the release of seven songs and subsequent criticism, the project has now been temporarily suspended.
Of the seven songs already released, four will be removed from all digital platforms, including YouTube and Spotify, while three songs will remain available.
The remaining 13 songs will also not be released for the time being.
Although the album was initially scheduled to be released in CD format on Ayub Bachchu’s birthday, that did not happen.
Instead, the songs began to be released on digital platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
The first song released was Rupali Guitar, performed by Bappa Mazumder in a new musical arrangement.
Six more songs followed. Sonar Bangla Circus performed Gotokal Rate, Kaniz Suborna sang Kosto Pete Bhalobashi, Joy Shahriar performed Kosto Kake Bole, Palash sang Apon Keho Nai, Autumnal Moon performed Hawker, and Adit sang Ghumonto Shohore.
However, apart from the songs performed by Bappa Mazumder, Sonar Bangla Circus and Palash, the remaining four tracks faced strong criticism.
Fans of Ayub Bachchu raised questions not only about the performances but also about the new musical arrangements.
Following the criticism, those involved with the Uttoradhikar project held several rounds of discussions.
Eventually, on Sunday evening, all stakeholders involved in the project met at a coffee shop in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
The meeting resulted in the decision to withdraw the four songs that had received criticism and temporarily halt the release of the remaining 13 unreleased tracks.
Shamim Ahmed, a longtime associate of Ayub Bachchu and a member of LRB, said, “Boss [Ayub Bachchu] is an emotional figure for everyone. Everyone agreed that his timeless creations should not be devalued in this way. We will soon speak with all members of his family and form a panel based on their opinions. The songs will only be released once everyone on the panel considers them appropriate.”
Ayub Bachchu’s wife, Ferdous Akhtar, also confirmed that the project has been temporarily suspended.
Some people associated with the project said the songs were created as a tribute to Ayub Bachchu and that none of the artists involved had made any financial profit from the initiative.
They said everyone has the right to express whether they like the songs or not, but claiming that no one should be allowed to sing Ayub Bachchu’s songs amounts to a form of extremism.
The proceeds from the project were intended to be used for the construction of an Ayub Bachchu Museum.
