Pritam’s tribute Prohori in honour of Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain

For several days, fans of the acclaimed musician Pritom Hasan were captivated by a single, enigmatic image he shared on social media. The photograph showed him standing among members of the Bangladesh Army, singing with his signature intensity and emotive energy. Not long afterwards, a second image appeared—this time showing Pritom clad in military uniform, accompanied by the cryptic number “15.01.26”. The combination of visuals and numbers immediately sparked speculation across social media, with followers eager to decipher whether a new musical project was on the horizon.

The mystery was finally resolved last night at 9 p.m., when Pritom unveiled his latest single, “Praharī”. However, this is far from a conventional musical release. The song is a heartfelt homage to one of Bangladesh’s most revered historical figures, commemorating a chapter of extraordinary courage and sacrifice in the nation’s struggle for independence.

“Praharī” is dedicated to Bir Uttam Lieutenant Mohammad Anwar Hossain, a valiant officer of the 1st East Bengal Regiment who became the first military officer to fall in combat during the early days of the 1971 Liberation War. Lieutenant Anwar’s selfless bravery earned him the prestigious title of Bir Uttam, Bangladesh’s second-highest military gallantry award. Today, his legacy endures at the Shaheed Bir Uttam Anwar Girls’ College in Dhaka Cantonment, preserving his memory for future generations.

Through “Praharī”, Pritom Hasan seeks to bring Lieutenant Anwar’s story to a contemporary audience, blending historical reverence with modern musical expression. The track serves as a bridge between past and present, allowing listeners to experience history through melody and lyricism. Pritom personally performed the vocals and arranged the music, while the poignant lyrics were penned by Russel Mahmud, and the accompanying music video was directed by Manzur Anik.

Reflecting on the project, Pritom revealed that its inception had been long in discussion. “Time and logistical constraints delayed production,” he explained, “but our aim was always to create a work that honours Lieutenant Anwar with the respect he deserves.” He added that the song is crafted to provide a fresh and immersive experience, particularly for younger audiences who resonate with modern and experimental musical styles.

The key details of “Praharī” are summarised below:

Ultimately, “Praharī” transcends the boundaries of a mere song. It is a confluence of history, homage, and musical innovation, demonstrating Pritom Hasan’s capacity to illuminate national memory, commemorate heroic sacrifice, and inspire a new generation of listeners through the enduring power of music.