Renowned musician Shujeo Shyam dies at 78

The celebrated composer and singer, whose songs inspired freedom fighters in 1971, passes away in hospital care

Eminent composer and singer Shujeo Shyam, who inspired freedom fighters with his songs during the Liberation War, has died in hospital care at the age of 78.

He passed away while receiving treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital around 3am on Thursday, his family confirmed.

Shujeo's body will be placed at Dhaka's Dhakeshwari National Temple from 10am to 11:30am on Friday for people to pay their last respects, his daughter Rupa Monjuri Shyam said.

The final rites will be conducted at the Bardeshwari Kali Mata Temple in Sabujbagh.

Shujeo had been battling cancer, diabetes, kidney issues, and other health complications.

He was previously hospitalised in June and again in September following complications from a pacemaker installation, leading to an infection, according to his daughter.

"We had to readmit him to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical Hospital on Sept 24 due to an infection from the pacemaker," she said.

Born in Sylhet in 1946, Shujeo was honoured with the Ekushey Padak in 2018. He was also the recipient of the Shilpakala Padak, the Bharat Gourav Award, and the Swadhinata Padak, Bangladesh’s highest civilian award.

Shujeo began his career in 1964 as a guitarist and director of children’s music at the then East Pakistan Radio. He later joined the Dhaka Betar in 1968 and retired as the chief music producer at Bangladesh Betar in 2001.

The musician has also made significant contributions to the film industry, directing music for several movies. His work in ‘Hasan Raja’ won him his first national award, followed by accolades for his compositions in ‘Joyjatra’ and ‘Obujh Bou’.

During the Liberation War in 1971, he composed nine inspirational songs for the Swadhin Bangla Biplobi Betar Kendra, which were broadcast from June to December.

His first song for the station was ‘Ayre Chashi Mojur Kuli’. Other notable songs include ‘Rokto Diye Naam Likhechhi’, ‘Ore Shonre Tora Shon’, ‘Muktir Ektai Poth Sangram’, ‘Rokto Chai Rokto Chai’, ‘Aj Rono Saje Bajiye Bishan’, and ‘Aha Dhonyo Amar’.