Pagol Hasan’s unreleased songs set for release

An initiative has been launched to preserve and release unreleased songs by late Baul singer Pagol Hasan on his second death anniversary.

The programme, titled “Smritite Pagol Hasan”, will be held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (World Literature Centre) in Dhaka, bringing together musicians, composers, producers and admirers. A parallel memorial prayer has been arranged in his native village in Chhatak, Sunamganj.

Pagol Hasan, known for his deeply emotive folk songs, died in a road accident on April 18, 2024, near the Surma Bridge area in Chhatak. He was 33. His sudden death drew widespread grief across the country’s cultural circles.

He gained recognition with songs such as “Asmaney Jaiyo Na Re Bondhu,” quickly building a loyal audience.

Musician Jewel Morshed, one of the organisers, said the initiative is driven by Hasan’s close associates and aims to sustain his musical legacy. He said they plan to organise annual events marking both his birth and death anniversaries, alongside new projects centred on his work.

As part of the effort, one previously unreleased song will be published during the event. Organisers said around 20 unreleased tracks have been identified so far, with the possibility of more surfacing over time.

The songs will be released gradually through Hasan’s official YouTube channel. Younger music directors have also been invited to reinterpret his work for newer audiences.

Several songs have already been released posthumously, including “Maduli”, “Dosh Duari Maiya”, and “Baganer Mali”, the latter a collaboration with Lalon Band.

Organisers said revenue generated from Hasan’s YouTube channel and related performances will be used to fund future releases and support his family.

The initiative is being coordinated through a WhatsApp group formed by his friends and collaborators, with musicians such as Asif Akbar and Dhruva Guha serving as advisors.

A larger commemorative festival is also being planned for June 2 to celebrate his life and music.

Separately, a memorial event will be held this afternoon at the Sunamganj District Shilpakala Academy.

Hasan, who wrote numerous mystic and folk songs, married Lutfar Begum in 2011. He is survived by their two sons.