Pritom’s song “Prohori” pays tribute to Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain.

For several days, fans of the renowned musician Pritom Hasan were abuzz with speculation following a striking photograph he shared on social media. The image showed Pritom standing amid members of the Bangladesh Army, singing with characteristic passion. Shortly thereafter, another photograph surfaced—this time featuring Pritom in military uniform, accompanied by the enigmatic number “15.01.26.” The curious combination sparked widespread conjecture about a forthcoming special project.

The mystery was finally resolved last night at 9 p.m., when Pritom unveiled his latest song, “Praharī”. Yet this is far more than a mere musical release. The song serves as a heartfelt homage to one of Bangladesh’s most revered historical figures, celebrating a chapter of courage and sacrifice in the nation’s journey to independence.

“Praharī” is dedicated to Bir Uttam Lieutenant Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the first military officer to fall in armed resistance during the onset of the 1971 Liberation War. A courageous officer of the 1st East Bengal Regiment, Lieutenant Anwar laid down his life in the fight for his country’s freedom, and his bravery earned him the prestigious national title of Bir Uttam, the second-highest gallantry award in Bangladesh.

Today, the memory of Lieutenant Anwar is preserved at the Shaheed Bir Uttam Anwar Girls’ College in Dhaka Cantonment. Through “Praharī”, Pritom Hasan seeks to transmit the story of this fearless freedom fighter to a new generation, blending historical remembrance with contemporary cultural expression. The song bridges the past and present, allowing listeners to experience history through music.

Pritom himself performed both the vocals and musical arrangement, with lyrics penned by Russel Mahmud and the music video directed by Manzur Anik. Speaking about the project, Pritom revealed that its conception had been in discussion for some time. While delays arose due to time and logistical constraints, the team remained committed to producing a work that honours the subject matter with due respect. Pritom emphasised that the song is designed to evoke a fresh and distinctive experience for younger audiences, particularly those with an appreciation for modern and experimental musical styles.

The table below summarises the essential details of “Praharī”:

Ultimately, “Praharī” is not merely a song; it is a confluence of history, reverence, and contemporary musical innovation. Through this work, Pritom Hasan demonstrates the enduring power of music to illuminate national memory, commemorate sacrifice, and inspire a new generation of listeners.