On the anniversary of Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul’s passing, Bangladesh’s cultural and musical community pauses to pay homage to one of its brightest stars. Far more than a composer or singer, Bulbul was a fearless patriot and a cultural icon whose creative vision shaped the landscape of Bangladeshi cinema and music for nearly four decades. His compositions, imbued with deep emotion and romanticism, continue to resonate with audiences, preserving his enduring influence even after his death.
Born on 1 January 1956 in Dhaka, Bulbul began his musical journey in the late 1970s and quickly established a distinct voice in the Bangladeshi film music scene. Over his career, he composed and directed music for more than 200 films, earning numerous national accolades including multiple National Film Awards and the prestigious Ekushey Padak.
Bulbul’s life, however, extended far beyond music. At just 15 years old, he actively participated in the 1971 Liberation War. A student of Azimpur West End High School, he witnessed the brutal killings on 25 March and formed a small guerrilla group in the Jinga area. Following Pakistani military attacks, he joined the “Young Platoon” in Dhaka, enduring captivity and torture while surviving to tell his story. Personal tragedies, including the mysterious murder of his younger brother Ahmed Miraj in 2013, cast shadows over his life, yet his creative spirit remained undiminished.
Professionally, Bulbul’s career began with the 1978 film Megh Badhli Badal, but it was the 1984 soundtrack of Noyon-er Alo that earned him widespread recognition. Songs such as “Amar Sara Deho Kheyo Go Mati” and “Ami Tomar Dui Chokher Dui Tara Hoye” cemented his reputation as a brilliant composer. Over the subsequent decades, he directed music for films including Amazan, Premer Tajmahal, and Abhuj Duti Mon, collaborating with legendary singers such as Sabina Yasmin, Runa Laila, Andrew Kishore, and Khalid Hasan Milu.
Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul: Key Life and Musical Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Recognition / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Born in Dhaka | – |
| 1971 | Participated in Liberation War | Fought with Young Platoon guerrilla group |
| 1978 | Megh Badhli Badal | Professional music career begins |
| 1984 | Noyon-er Alo soundtrack | Gains nationwide fame |
| 2001 | National Film Award | Best Music Director |
| 2005 | National Film Award | Best Music Director |
| 2010 | Ekushey Padak | National recognition for cultural contribution |
| 2019 | Passed away | Legacy of music and patriotism immortalised |
Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul passed away on 22 January 2019, leaving behind a luminous legacy of courage, patriotism, and unparalleled musical artistry. His compositions continue to inspire contemporary audiences, ensuring that his voice and vision remain indelibly etched in the hearts of future generations.