TBT REPORT

Renowned lyricist G.M. Zakir Hossain is a devoted musical personality who has established himself as a lyricist, composer, and music director. Songs written and composed by him, performed by various artists, have already earned wide recognition and appreciation.

G.M. Zakir Hossain was born on December 31, 1978, in Chupria village under Satkhira Sadar Upazila, into a respected Muslim family.

His late father, Md. Niamuddin Gazi, was a simple farmer by profession, while his mother, Rupia Begum, was a homemaker.

From childhood, he had a deep attraction to melody and music. Whenever he heard musical sounds, he would listen attentively. His musical journey began through performing Hamd, Naat, and Quran recitation while studying Arabic at the local Maktab in the village.

His middle uncle owned a radio at home, which became a major source of fascination for him. He often woke up at dawn listening to the melodious recitation of the Holy Quran by his father and elder brother. The spiritual and musical atmosphere of his childhood left a lasting impression on his heart, which continues to inspire him to this day.

After passing his SSC examination in the Science group from Sonar Bangla Secondary School in 1994, he began formal music training under the late Amzad Hossain, a music teacher at Satkhira District Cultural Council.

At the same time, he received musical training from Ustad Apurba Roy and rhythm lessons from Biswajit Saha.

After completing his HSC from Satkhira Government College in 1996, he enrolled in the Government Music College in Dhaka to study Classical and Nazrul Music at the undergraduate level. Later, when the Department of Theatre and Music was introduced at the University of Dhaka, he enrolled there in the 1997–98 academic session as an honors student in music.

During his musical education, he had the opportunity to learn from many distinguished musical personalities. He received direct training from eminent artists including Khalid Hossain, Nilufar Yasmin, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Ustad Akhtar Sadmani, Syed Zakir Hossain, Dr. Mridul Kanti Chakraborty, Dipak Pal, Kuheli Islam, Shahnaz Nasrin Ila, and Tapan Sarkar, among many others.

As a student, he participated in numerous music competitions. At the Salimullah Muslim Hall cultural competitions of Dhaka University, he achieved a remarkable hat-trick championship by securing first place in six categories over three consecutive years.

In 2000, he won first place in the patriotic song category at a cultural competition featuring participants from leading universities across the country.

During his school years, he served as a Rover Scout team leader. He also served as a Cadet Sergeant in the Naval Wing of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) at Dhaka University. During that period, he played a key role in strengthening and promoting cultural activities among cadets.

From 2000 to the following three years, he contributed significantly to Dhaka Flotilla becoming champion in the annual BNCC cultural competitions by winning multiple first prizes. In recognition of his achievements, the Naval Wing of BNCC honored him with the title “Best of Culture.”

After completing his academic studies in 2002, he joined the Music and Dance Department of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy as a first-class officer.

He is enlisted with Bangladesh Betar as a lyricist, composer, music director, folk singer, and modern song artist. He is also enlisted with Bangladesh Television as a lyricist, folk singer, and modern song artist.

Many renowned and emerging singers have performed songs written by him, including Shahnaz Rahman Swikriti, Arif Dewan, Shahid Kabir Polash, Arifuzzaman, Bandhan, Shyama Sarkar, Yasmin Labonno, Arif Chowdhury, Kamrul Hasan Lincoln, Nazia Brishti, Tasnim Zaman Swarna, Ali Hossain, Upoma Akter Brishti, Subarna, Monika Debnath Kotha, Arun Chowdhury, Archana Malakar, Agnita Sikdar Mugdha, Mohsena Ara Rikta, Ashraf Shahin, Mithila, SM Bipash Anwar, Shabnam Mustari Priyanka, and Ashrafuzzaman Mukul, among many others.

G.M. Zakir Hossain has not only composed tunes for his own songs. He also composed music for ten patriotic songs written by mystic lyricist Sabir Ahmed Chowdhury, which were later released as an audio album from Kolkata.

He has also composed songs written by many lyricists including Khokon Kumar Roy, Farida Farhana, ATM Ashraf Hossain Shahin, Ali Ashraf Akand, Yunus Ali Molla, Sikdar Ishaq Ali, Mahbubul Islam, and Gaur Pada Basu.

One of his notable compositions is the song “Tomar Rupkothar Golpo Shune,” written by lyricist Amena Fahim and aired on Bangladesh Television. The song was performed by child artist Tasnim Zaman Swarna, known from “Khude Ganraj.”

Among his notable songs are:
“Duchokhe Ojhoro Borsha Sraboner Moto Jhore Jay,”
“Ore Nodi Koto Ar Kandbi Buke Dhore Othoi Jol,”
“Koster Kono Dairgho Nei,”
“Moner Agun Nibhai Kemon Kore,”
“Etodin Bolo Tumi Kothay Chile,”
“Pora Mone Nei Ar Dohon-er Kono Bhoy,”
“Amar Bukeri Majhe Tui Sukher Chabi,”
“Jonmei Dekhechi Bangladesh,”
“Jekhane Shoto Pakhi Kore Dakadaki,”
“Amar Mayer Modhur Hashi Dekhi Sobuj Ghera Banglate,”
“Koto Shopno Amar Duchokhe,” and
“Ay Sonamonire Dakt Ma Amare.”

He has served as an honored member of the teacher recruitment board at BIAM Foundation School and College and has worked as an examiner for several institutions including the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University and Bulbul Lalitakala Academy.

He also participated as a government representative member on teacher recruitment boards for nearly 20 district Shilpakala Academies. As a team coordinator, he officially visited Japan and Lebanon.

Under the planning of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, 20 audio albums featuring 200 promising artists from all 64 districts of the country were released in 2013 under his supervision. Later, in 2015, another 20 audio albums featuring 200 child artists were released.

Recently, during the centenary celebration of Dhaka University, this popular musician composed the theme song titled “Shatoborsher Aloy Dhaka University.”

The opening lines of the song are:
“Dhaka University — ekhane shopno niye shopno bunte ashe,
Ekhanei jiboner notun surjo hashe,
Ekhane notun kore notun jiboner kotha koy.”

The song was performed by several renowned artists of the country, including Syed Abdul Hadi, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Shubhradeb, and Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, among others.

Speaking about his musical journey, this beloved personality said, “Music is my passion. Since childhood, I have been deeply attached to songs and melodies. Music gives me the ultimate satisfaction in life. I want to remain connected with music until my last breath.”

It is worth mentioning that professionally, G.M. Zakir Hossain has served as a government official at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. He worked as Program Officer for Music, Dance, and Recitation, and later served as Deputy Secretary and Secretary.

He subsequently served as Deputy Director of Research and Publications and Deputy Director of Fine Arts. Currently, he is working as Senior Instructor of Music.

Despite his busy professional life, music remains his true passion. During holidays and leisure time, he continues to immerse himself in writing new songs, composing tunes, and directing music.