Altaf Mahmud

Altaf Mahmud (23 December 1933 – September 1971) was a musician, cultural activist, and martyred freedom fighter of the Bangladesh Liberation War. He was also a language activist of the Language Movement and composer of "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano", the famous song written to commemorate the event. He was awarded Ekushey Padak in 1977 and Independence Day Award in 2004 posthumously by the government of Bangladesh. Mahmud started singing while he was a school boy. He first learnt music from famous violin player Suren Roy. He learnt to sing gana sangit (people's song), which brought him popularity during that time.

Career Mahmud came to Dhaka in 1950 and joined in Dhumketu Shilpi Shongho. Later he became the music director of the institution. In 1956, Mahmud was invited to the Vienna Peace Conference. But he was unable to attend as his passport was confiscated by the government at Karachi. There he stayed until 1963 and took talim of classical music to Ustad Abdul Kader Khan. He also associated with dance director Ghanashyam and music director Debu Bhattacharya. After returning from Karachi to Dhaka, Mahmud worked in 19 different films. Along with the famous Jibon Theke Neya, he also worked in films like Kaise Kahu, Kar Bau, and Tanha. He also remained associated with politics and different cultural organizations. In addition to his talent in music, Mahmud was also fluent in painting.

Mahmud and many other fighters were captured and killed in this incident. His patriotic songs, which were broadcast at the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, also inspired the independence fighters during the war.

Personal life and legacy Altaf Mahmud was married to Sara Ara Mahmud (d. 2025); she served as a director of the Department of Drama and Film at Shilpakala Academy.

On 18 July 2013, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed was found guilty and received a life sentence on the charge related to the killing of Rumi along with Badi, Jewel, Azad and Altaf Mahmud at the army camp set up in Nakhalpara, Dhaka, during the Liberation War.

Discography