Singer Somnur Monir Konal and Rafsan have lent their voices to a new song highlighting the dangers of dowry and violence against women.
Titled Joutuk, the song features lyrics by lyricist Mahbubul Khalid and music by late legendary composer Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul.
The song portrays dowry as a social disease, source of suffering and curse. Its lyrics depict how greed for dowry can lead to violence against women, acid attacks and the destruction of family life. It also calls on people to protest against the practice rather than accept it.
The song urges families to educate both boys and girls and help them become self-reliant, presenting education and financial independence as tools against social injustice.
Joutuk has been released on the YouTube channel Khalid Sangeet and is also available on its Facebook page and website.
Social injustice and humanitarian crises have featured prominently in Khalid’s work. He has previously written songs about the abused domestic worker Aduri, Felani’s killing at the border and the torture of a child in Magura.
He has also addressed the Palestinian and Rohingya crises, as well as various national and international events.
With Joutuk, Khalid continues his focus on social awareness and humanitarian issues through music.
