Bangladesh’s expatriates form the backbone of the country’s economy. They endure arduous work abroad, sending remittances that sustain families, communities, and the national economy. Yet behind this economic contribution lies a hidden world of loneliness, homesickness, and longing for their mothers—emotions seldom captured. The folk music ensemble Baula has sought to give voice to these unseen feelings in their latest release, ‘Bidēś āmār bhallāge nā, Mā’ (Mother, I don’t like being abroad). The song premiered today, Thursday, at 6:30 PM on Baula Bangladesh’s YouTube channel.
The song’s lead vocals are performed by Prakash Artist, whose emotive delivery conveys the poignant plea of a homesick and resentful child:
“Mother, I do not like being abroad.”
The lyrics and composition were crafted by filmmaker Saiful Islam Mannu, who intricately weaves the struggles of expatriate life with the depth of traditional folk melodies. Through his composition, the song reflects the emotional weight of separation, the yearning for familial connection, and the cultural nostalgia that expatriates often carry.
The musical arrangement features a rich ensemble of instruments and artists:
| Instrument | Performer |
|---|---|
| Harmonium | Robin Sarkar |
| Dhole (Drums) | Masum & Saeed Ahmed |
| Flute | Ashikul |
| Guitar | Iq Majumdar Isti |
| Bass Guitar | Anup |
| Percussion | Sohel |
The musical direction and arrangement were led by Robin Sarkar and Iq Majumdar Isti, while the music video was directed by Raisul Islam Onik.
Prakash Artist explained the concept behind the song:
“‘Bidēś āmār bhallāge nā, Mā’ is more than a song; it is the story of an expatriate’s lonely evenings, of wiping tears after seeing a mother’s face on a video call, and yearning for the serene dawns of the village amid the chaos of the city.”
The song resonates strongly with expatriate communities, portraying the emotional toll of separation while celebrating the enduring bond between mother and child. It combines the lyrical depth of folk tradition with modern storytelling, offering audiences both in Bangladesh and abroad a reflective experience on migration, family, and identity.
Since its release, the song has received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics, evocative performance, and culturally rooted musical arrangement. It has also sparked discussions on the psychological and emotional challenges faced by migrant workers, reminding listeners of the human stories behind economic contributions.
In essence, ‘Bidēś āmār bhallāge nā, Mā’ is not just music—it is an homage to love, longing, and the sacrifices of expatriates who strive for the well-being of their families while navigating life far from home.