Tribute, Remembrance, and Demand for Justice on the 7th Death Anniversary
March 17 marked the 7th death anniversary of the late journalist and Bhawaiya artist Shafiul Alam Raja. He passed away on this day in 2019. Time may cause many people to fade from memory, but some continue to live on through their work, integrity, and contributions to society. Shafiul Alam Raja was one of them.
During his long career at The Daily Jugantor, he established himself as an honest, fearless, and responsible journalist. His writings were truthful, courageous, and consistently stood beside ordinary people. He diligently highlighted social injustices, the voices of marginalized communities, and the important realities of his time. To his colleagues, he was an inspiring figure; to his readers, a symbol of trust and credibility.
Alongside journalism, he was a devoted Bhawaiya artist. Through his voice and artistic dedication, he carried forward the rich folk heritage of Northern Bengal. His songs reflected a profound connection to the soil, human emotions, and the cultural identity of the Bengali people.
Life and Cultural Journey (Verified Information):
Alongside his 25-year journalism career, Shafiul Alam Raja was widely known in various media circles as “Bhawaiya Raja.”
Many admirers also referred to him as the “Prince of Bhawaiya” and the “Traveling Merchant of Bhawaiya.”
He was born on July 8, 1974, in Chilmari Upazila of Kurigram district. He passed away on March 17, 2019, in Dhaka, at his own institution, Kolotan Cultural Academy, where he breathed his last as a distinguished artist.
His musical journey began in adolescence under the inspiration of his late father, Nazmul Haque, and his late mother, Shamsunnahar Begum. Although he did not receive formal academic training in music, he gained theoretical musical knowledge from renowned Bhawaiya lyricist, composer, and artist Nurul Islam Jahid.
He was a Special Category Artist of Bangladesh Betar and a Grade-A Artist of Bangladesh Television. He performed regularly on major television channels in Bangladesh and also appeared on international stages and media platforms, notably Tara Music and Kolkata TV in India.
To promote Bhawaiya folk music, he founded a Bhawaiya music group in Dhaka in 2008. In 2011, he established the “Bhawaiya School,” which offered a one-year free certificate course in Bhawaiya music.
Later, on January 1, 2017, he founded Kolotan Cultural Academy in Pallabi, Dhaka, encompassing various branches of cultural activities.
He contributed four original Bhawaiya songs to the award-winning film Uttorer Sur. In recognition of his artistic excellence, he was selected as the Best Folk (Bhawaiya) Artist in the 2006 Bengal Bikash Talent Hunt, organized by Bengal Foundation.
He held six solo musical concerts in Dhaka under the arrangements of institutions including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Aryial Center, Alliance Française, Bhawaiya Music Group, and the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre.
He also released musical works through Bengal Foundation, including a mixed album, and in 2011, his solo Bhawaiya album “Kobor Dekhiya Jan” was released by Violin Media. His musical journey took him to several countries, including Australia and India. In addition, he served as a judge in various government and private reality shows.
Journalism Career and Recognition:
Shafiul Alam Raja was not only an accomplished artist but also a dedicated professional journalist. A permanent member of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), he also served as its Cultural Secretary.
Over his 25-year journalism career, he worked with Dainik Janakantha, Dainik Janata, Dainik Arthikata, and Dainik Jugantor. He served for more than 14 years as a senior journalist at Jugantor.
His final professional role was Chief Reporter at the online news portal priyo.com.
His contributions to journalism earned him numerous awards and recognitions from institutions including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transparency International,
Democracy Watch Human Rights Award, UNESCO Club:
Association Award, and the Crime Reporters Association, among others.
An Unfulfilled Dream
He dreamed of establishing a Bhawaiya Institute, inspired by the model of Shantiniketan, at the river port town of Chilmari in his birthplace, Kurigram.
Sadly, that dream remains unfulfilled to this day.
The Question of Justice:
Yet, a painful reality persists: even after seven long years since his passing, his family has still not received his rightful gratuity and financial dues.
After dedicating his life to journalism with honesty, commitment, and integrity, this deprivation is not only heartbreaking but also raises a serious question of justice and institutional responsibility.
A strong appeal is made to the concerned authorities for the immediate settlement of his rightful dues.
Remembrance
On his death anniversary, his family, colleagues, admirers, and well-wishers remember him with deep respect and affection. His dedication, honesty, and profound love for Bengali culture continue to stand as an enduring example for society.
Shafiul Alam Raja is no longer physically among us, yet his voice, his pen, and his values remain alive.
We pray for the eternal peace of his soul.
Md. Shahru Mustakim
(Son of Shafiul Alam Raja)
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