Preserving Pagol Hasan’s Musical Legacy

A comprehensive initiative has been undertaken to preserve the musical heritage of late Baul artist Pagol Hasan on the occasion of his second death anniversary, alongside plans to release his previously unreleased songs. The programme aims to document, archive and disseminate his creative works for future generations while celebrating his enduring contribution to Bangladeshi folk music.

To mark the anniversary, a commemorative event titled “Smritite Pagol Hasan” will be held at the World Literature Centre within the premises of the Bangladesh Asiatic Society in Dhaka. In parallel, memorial prayers and remembrance gatherings are being arranged at the family and local levels in his home area of Chhatak upazila in Sunamganj district.

Pagol Hasan tragically passed away on 18 April 2024 in a road accident near the Surma Bridge area in Chhatak. He was only 33 years old at the time of his death. Despite his short career, he succeeded in establishing a distinct identity within the Baul and folk music tradition of Bangladesh. His widely popular song “Asmane Jaiyo Na Re Bondhu” remains particularly significant among listeners and continues to resonate strongly with audiences.

According to organisers, a long-term plan has been formulated to ensure systematic preservation and dissemination of his works. This includes annual commemorations on both his birth and death anniversaries, as well as ongoing research, archiving, and re-publication of his songs. As part of the current programme, one previously unreleased song will be published for the first time during the memorial event. Approximately twenty unreleased tracks have already been identified, with plans to release them gradually in phases. Additional discoveries, if made, will also be included in the preservation process.

The initiative also encourages young music directors and artists to re-arrange and reinterpret his songs so that they can reach a wider audience. Several posthumously released tracks, including “Maduli”, “Dosh Duyari Maiya”, and “Baganer Mali”, have previously received significant listener response. In particular, “Baganer Mali”, created in collaboration with a band, highlighted the versatility of his musical expression.

Revenue generated from his musical works is planned to be reinvested into publication, preservation activities, and support for his family. The entire initiative is being coordinated through a structured communication framework involving close associates, fellow musicians, and stakeholders from the cultural sector. Asif Akbar and Dhruv Guha are serving as advisors to the project.

A larger commemorative festival dedicated to Pagol Hasan’s life and music is scheduled for 2 June, alongside a separate remembrance event at the Sunamganj District Shilpakala Academy.

He was married to Lutfor Begum in 2011 and is survived by two sons. His contribution to Baul and mystical music is increasingly regarded as a meaningful addition to the contemporary folk tradition of Bangladesh.

The organisers view this initiative as a sustained cultural movement aimed at preserving and promoting Pagol Hasan’s artistic legacy in a structured and enduring manner.