Shujeo Shyam, one of the prominent music directors, composers, and vocal contributors of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, has passed away. He breathed his last in a hospital in the capital at 3am on Friday (18 October). He was 78 years old at the time of his death.
The news of his passing was confirmed to the media by his daughter, Rupa Manjuri Shyam (Liza).
Liza stated, "Overall, he had been in reasonably good health. However, after falling ill again on 24 September, he was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital. Unfortunately, he could not recover this time."
Shujeo Shyam was born on 14 March 1946 in Sylhet, then part of British India. His father, Amarendra Chandra Shah, was a school assistant and also owned a tea estate named ‘Indreshar-T.’ Sujeya spent his childhood amidst the tea gardens and hills of Sylhet. He was the sixth of ten siblings.
For his significant contributions to music, the freedom fighter Shujeo Shyam received numerous national awards, including the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2018. He composed the final song for Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the Liberation War of 1971 and was also the composer of the first song broadcast after the surrender of the Pakistani military. This song, titled "Bijoy Nishan Urchhe Oi," was written by Shahidul Amin and performed by Ajit Roy as the lead vocalist, with music composition and direction by Shyam.
Among his other notable compositions are "Rokto Diye Naam Likhhechi," "Rokto Chai Rokto Chai," "Aha Dhonno Amar Jonmobhumi," "Aye Re Chashi Mojur Kuli," "Muktir Ek-i Poth Shongram," and "Shon Re Tora Shon."
Details of Shujeo Shyam's funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised. Family members have stated that a decision will be made after discussions with the rest of the family.
In 2006, he directed music for an album titled Swadhin Bangla Betar-er Gaan, a compilation of 46 songs broadcast on Bangladesh Betar during the Liberation War of 1971. Later in 2013, he directed another album, Swadhin Bangla Betar-er Gaan - 2, featuring a further 50 songs from that era.
