Popular singer and composer Pritom Hasan has released a new song titled Prohori, paying tribute to Bir Uttam Lieutenant Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the first military officer to be martyred in the initial armed resistance of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Earlier this month, Pritom sparked curiosity among fans by sharing photos on social media. In one image, he was seen singing among Bangladesh Army personnel. In another, he appeared wearing an army uniform, alongside the date “15.01.26”.
Naturally, speculation followed. Fans wondered if something special was on the way.
Finally, the mystery cleared on Wednesday night. At 9:00 pm, Pritom officially released Prohori. However, the song is more than a musical release. Instead, it stands as a tribute. And more importantly, it honours a national hero.
Prohori remembers Bir Uttam Lieutenant Mohammad Anwar Hossain, who was martyred at the very beginning of the armed resistance during the Liberation War. Through this song, the makers aim to introduce his courage and sacrifice to a new generation.
Lieutenant Anwar Hossain was an officer of the 1 East Bengal Regiment, also known as the Senior Tigers. During the turbulent days leading up to the war, he laid down his life for the country. As a result, history remembers him as the first military officer to attain martyrdom in armed resistance.
After independence, the state honoured him with the title of “Bir Uttam”, the second-highest gallantry award of Bangladesh. Even today, his legacy lives on. The Shaheed Bir Uttam Lieutenant Anwar Girls’ College inside Dhaka Cantonment stands as a living reminder of his sacrifice.
Pritom Hasan lent his voice to Prohori and also composed the music. Lyricist Russell Mahmud wrote the song. Filmmaker Manjur Anik directed the music video.
Explaining the emotion behind the project, Pritom wrote on social media that the song was dedicated to Shaheed Lieutenant Mohammad Anwar Hossain. He noted that growing up teaches the true meaning of courage. Sacrificing one’s life for the country, he said, is not a fantasy but the highest form of bravery.
He also shared a personal reflection. While working on Prohori, Pritom realised that no matter how far people move forward, they remain connected to their past. They continue to look up to those who came before them. And time and again, stories of men and women who gave their lives in uniform remind the nation of that sacrifice.
Through Prohori, Pritom Hasan attempts to bridge memory and music. In doing so, he turns a song into a salute.
