Choked by 'politics': Bogura’s Youth Choir awaits revival

It was a little past 8:15 pm. In a quiet corner of the bustling city, one entered through an old gate and was greeted by a heartwarming sight—children and teenagers engrossed in dance and song. Their laughter and rhythm painted a fragment of a dream. Sitting nearby, the founder of the organization watched proudly, though his face betrayed an undercurrent of worry. With his hand on the tabla, the president tried to keep pace with the music, making every effort to keep the spirit of the group alive. This was the Bogura Youth Choir.

Yet behind the beauty of the choir lies a grim reality. An unknown fear now lingers in the minds of its young artists. What awaits them ahead? The organization’s leaders are anxious.

The Bogura Youth Choir is not just a cultural troupe—it is an emotion deeply rooted in the people of Bogura. Through drama, music, choreography, and socially conscious messages, the group has been spreading the light of regional culture for decades. But now, a dark shadow has fallen over it. For more than a year, its regular activities have remained paralyzed.

According to multiple sources, the main reasons for this stagnation are political interference and the absence of effective patronage. Since August 5, 2024, the choir’s regular activities have been suspended. Only limited, small-scale practice sessions continue privately.

Currently, its doors open only twice a week—Saturdays and Tuesdays—from evening until 9 p.m. The rest of the time, a lock hangs on the front gate.

Still, the members believe the Bogura Youth Choir will soon regain its life.

The Burden of Political Tag

Members of the choir said some of their activities and songs have been given a “political tag,” which has become a major obstacle to progress.

The organization, however, has made it clear that it does not serve any political party. They see themselves as servants of society and culture.

In 2011, the choir was excluded from its long-running regular programme on Bangladesh Television (BTV)—which had begun in the 1980s—after being labeled politically biased. Since then, they have faced discrimination rooted in politics. After August 5, 2024, that discrimination grew more severe. All their activities were halted, and grants from the Shilpakala Academy were suspended. In 2025, they received no government funding at all, creating a financial crisis.

A Glorious Journey

The Bogura Youth Choir was established in 1976 on Nawabbari Road in Bogura by its founder, Taufiqul Alam Tipu.

The choir primarily promoted patriotism among young people through regional songs and culture. Their first song was Gobra Khaya Ja Sherpurer Doi (Curd of Sherpur eaten with rice husk), followed by Kalo Chhurida Hamak Pagla Kariche (The black churidar has driven me mad), which became immensely popular.

In 1979, eight of their songs were broadcast on BTV, giving the group nationwide recognition. Afterwards, they performed in almost every district of the country.

The organization did more than sing—it worked on women’s and children’s rights. Their first album, Ganjam, released in the 1980s, highlighted various social problems through lyrics and melody.

Also in the 1980s, their song Hamra Bogurar Chhol (We are the Boys of Bogura) struck a deep chord with locals. Even today, it remains widely remembered and sung, strengthening the choir’s role in the region’s cultural movement.

Rumors and Political Controversy in 2013

A major turning point came in 2013, when a rumor spread in Bogura that Delwar Hossain Sayeedi’s face had appeared on the moon, sparking widespread violence. In response, founder Tipu wrote a song titled Bame-Dan, Bam-Dan (Left-Right, Left-Right). The song recounted the history of 1971 and denounced collaborators and anti-independence forces, while mocking the absurd “Sayeedi on the moon” rumor.

Why Are the Activities of Youth Choir Stalled?

Despite decades of work in society and culture, the organization has been paralyzed since August 5, 2024. The main causes are political crises, lack of patronage, and the government’s neglect of cultural initiatives.

Leaders said some of their songs and activities were misinterpreted, creating political obstacles. In addition, television channels that once broadcast their songs and plays now operate with commercial priorities. Financial strain has become a serious problem, as the choir now runs with just 30 active members.

President Lion Atikur Rahman Mithu stated that since 2025, they have not received any grants from the Shilpakala Academy. He does not know why the government made this decision. They have also never received any support from the district administration.

How Can the Choir Revive?

Founder Taufiqul Alam Tipu told Views Bangladesh
“At present our activities are closed. A year ago, the office remained open daily. Now we meet only two days a week. We work for society, not politics. Unfortunately, some of our songs are being interpreted politically, and that has created problems for us.”

Members of the organization believe that with government patronage, they can move forward. They say if political stability returns or an elected government comes to power, the Bogura Youth Choir will resume its activities. What it needs most to stand again are social support, media attention, and government assistance.