Legendary lyricist Mohammad Rafiquzzaman can still recognise familiar faces and recall many of his own songs despite concerns about his memory. His condition recently drew attention after singer and lyricist Kabir Bakul visited him at home and shared the experience on social media.
The 83-year-old lyricist has been struggling with health issues for some time. On Saturday, 24 October, cultural personality Hanif Sanket took him to Square Hospital in Dhaka for medical advice.
Bakul said he visited Rafiquzzaman at his Tajmahal Road residence after receiving a call from Sanket. Accompanied by Zahid, whom he described as a younger-brother figure, Bakul found the veteran lyricist resting in his bedroom. On seeing him, Rafiquzzaman greeted him warmly.
To understand the state of his memory, Bakul asked whether he could recall the first song he had written. After thinking for a while, Rafiquzzaman recited its opening lines. He also remembered the lyrics of the last song he had written.
He could recall what he had eaten for dinner the previous night but could not remember his breakfast.
Bakul said Rafiquzzaman could still recognise friends and loved ones and remember much of his past. He also described a touching moment when the lyricist stood up and put on a panjabi himself before posing for a photograph.
Rafiquzzaman’s wife, Jinnat Ara Zaman, who stays by his side, briefed the visitors about his health. They spent around an hour with him.
Before leaving, Zahid encouraged the lyricist to spend more time with friends and loved ones, socialise and remain cheerful.
Born in Jhenaidah on 11 February 1943, Rafiquzzaman established himself as one of the most distinctive lyricists in modern Bangla music. His songs include ‘Bhalobasha Joto Boro, Jibon Toto Boro Noy’, ‘Bondhu Hote Cheye Tomar Shatru Bole Gonno Holam’ and ‘Shukopakhire Pinjira Tor Khule Dilam Aj’.
He also made significant contributions to patriotic music, with songs such as ‘Shei Rail Liner Dhare Methopathtar Pare Dariye’ and ‘Jodi Moroner Pore Keu Proshno Kore’, sung by Sabina Yasmin.
Beyond songwriting, Rafiquzzaman wrote ‘Bangla Gaan Rachana Koushol O Shuddhota’, a book on the principles and proper practice of Bangla songwriting.
His collection ‘Dehokheway Debo Pari’ contains 195 lyrics reflecting his philosophy and literary sensibility.
