Veteran singer Rafiqul Alam has mesmerised audiences for decades with his melodious voice, earning widespread acclaim both within Bangladesh and internationally. His contributions have significantly enriched the country’s musical heritage, making him a cherished figure across generations.
Despite his long career, he remains deeply engaged in music. In a recent interview with The Daily Star, he fondly reminisced about the Eids of his childhood. “I spent most of my childhood in Rajshahi,” he recalls. “Our home was in a well-known area called Sagorpara. Back then, the area had just five houses, all belonging to our extended family.”
He adds, “I had three brothers and two sisters. Including cousins, there were 21 members in our household at the time. During Eid, our group naturally expanded with excitement and laughter. We never relied on anyone outside our family to create fun—we generated all the joy ourselves.”
Childhood Eid Traditions
Asked about his favourite childhood Eid activities, Rafiqul Alam smiles and says, “Flying kites was our main pastime. One of my cousins could make kites, so preparations would start well before Eid. After the Eid prayers, we would rush outside with our kites and spend the entire day flying them.”
New clothes were another hallmark of Eid celebrations, though he admits he never had much say in selecting them. “My father would choose the fabric and take me to the tailor. That’s how my Eid outfits were made. Those memories are unforgettable,” he reflects.
Interestingly, the tradition of giving Eidi, or Eid money, was not practised in his paternal household. “We didn’t exchange Eidi in my father’s family,” he explains, “but it was common at my maternal grandparents’ home. Receiving Eidi was a source of immense joy. Now, of course, I am the one giving it—whether I like it or not,” he laughs.
Yet, he admits that revisiting these memories can sometimes bring a hint of melancholy. “I try not to indulge too much in nostalgia. It makes me feel a little heavy-hearted, which is why I don’t always dwell on those days,” he says quietly.
Current Eid Plans and Musical Projects
This Eid, Rafiqul Alam will be staying in Dhaka to celebrate with his family. Alongside family celebrations, he is preparing to release a new song. The composition is by Foad Nasser Babu, with lyrics by Moniruzzaman Monir. The track is set to premiere on a popular YouTube channel and will also be broadcast on a private television network.
“I’m very pleased with how the song has turned out. It’s a truly beautiful composition,” he shares with evident satisfaction.
Rafiqul Alam’s Childhood Eid Memories
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Childhood city | Rajshahi |
| Residential area | Sagorpara |
| Family members | 21 (including cousins) |
| Siblings | 3 brothers, 2 sisters |
| Favourite activity | Kite flying |
| Eid clothes selection | Chosen by father |
| Eidi tradition | Maternal grandparents’ home |
For Rafiqul Alam, Eid remains a time of nostalgia, laughter, and familial bonds—memories that continue to inspire his music and personal reflections.