A structured initiative has been launched to preserve and promote the musical heritage of late Baul artist Pagol Hasan, marking his second death anniversary. The programme focuses on archiving his unreleased compositions and ensuring their gradual release for wider audiences, alongside commemorative events in Dhaka and his hometown in Sunamganj.
A memorial event titled “In Memory of Pagol Hasan” is scheduled to be held at the World Literature Centre located within the Bangladesh Asiatic Society premises in Dhaka. In parallel, prayers and remembrance gatherings are being arranged at family and community levels in Chhatak, Sunamganj, where his roots remain deeply connected to local cultural life.
Pagol Hasan tragically died on 18 April 2024 in a road accident near the Surma Bridge area of Chhatak Upazila. He was 33 at the time of his death. Despite his short career span, he rapidly gained popularity among folk music enthusiasts across Bangladesh. His widely acclaimed song “Asmane Jaiyo Na Re Bondhu” remains one of his most recognisable works.
Organisers have confirmed that a long-term preservation plan has been adopted to safeguard his musical contributions. This includes annual commemorations on both his birth and death anniversaries, academic research on his work, and systematic re-publication of his music catalogue.
As part of the current initiative, one previously unreleased song will be unveiled during the memorial programme. Approximately twenty unreleased tracks have already been identified, which will be published gradually through his official digital music platforms. Additional compositions, if discovered in the future, will also be archived and released accordingly.
New-generation music directors and performers have been invited to reinterpret and rearrange his songs, aiming to introduce his creative legacy to a broader and more diverse audience.
Following his passing, several posthumously released tracks, including “Maduli,” “Dos Duyari Maiya,” and “Baganer Mali,” have already received significant listener appreciation. Notably, “Baganer Mali” was produced in collaboration with the Lalon Band, reflecting his engagement with contemporary folk fusion.
The organisers have also outlined a financial framework in which revenue generated from his musical works will be allocated towards future releases, preservation efforts, and support for his family.
Key Initiative Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Memorial Event | “In Memory of Pagol Hasan”, Dhaka |
| Hometown Commemoration | Chhatak, Sunamganj |
| Unreleased Songs Identified | Approximately 20 tracks |
| Release Platform | Official digital music channels |
| Preservation Plan | Annual events, research, re-arrangement projects |
| Additional Programme | Large-scale memorial festival planned |
According to the organisers, coordination of the overall initiative is being managed through a dedicated communication group involving close friends, collaborators, and music industry associates. Renowned artists Asif Akbar and Dhruv Guha are serving as advisors to the project.
A major memorial festival celebrating the life and music of Pagol Hasan is also being planned for 2 June. In addition, a separate commemorative programme is expected to take place at the Sunamganj District Shilpakala Academy, further extending tributes across multiple platforms.
On a personal note, Pagol Hasan married Lutfar Begum in 2011 and was a father of two sons. His contribution to Baul and mystical folk music is now regarded as a valuable addition to Bangladesh’s broader folk heritage, with continued efforts underway to preserve and disseminate his artistic legacy.