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| ![]() When the British left their Indian colony then India was divided into countries- India and Pakistan. Pakistan had two wings and they were hundreds of miles away from each other. Bangladesh was known as the East Pakistan while the modern Pakistan was known as the West Pakistan. That time the Bengalis (of East Pakistan) were the majority forming the 56% of the entire population. On the other hand there were mainly 3-4 races in West Pakistan, the Punjabis forming the majority there. Since the history of Pakistan has been always dominated by the army and since it was the people of West Pakistan who had total control of the army they had the real power and they started all kinds of discriminations from the first day of Pakistan’s existence as an independent country. In 1952 massive unrest occurred in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) over the question of national language. The West Pakistani leaders wanted to impose Urdu on the Bengalis despite the fact Bengali was the mother tongue of 56% of the total population of Pakistan.
In the previous article you have seen that George Harrison was related to the Indian culture a lot. The literature and culture of Bangladesh is strongly influenced by Hinduism, Budhism and Islam although around 85% of the population of Bangladesh is Muslims. And many great Bengalis had their origin in Bangladesh but later migrated to India after the creation of Pakistan. Pandit Ravi Shankar had close relationship to Bangladesh and he informed George Harrison about the Liberation War of Bangladesh and suggested that they try to do something for the Bangladeshi people. Thus the first concert for world humanity happened.
Ravi Shankar presented the brilliant raga called "Bangla Dhun" with his excellent skill of sitar and other Indian instruments. Bob Dylan came back to sing after a long self imposed isolation from music. George Harrison sang some of his hit songs, but it was the last song, titled ‘Bangladesh’, that created a somber atmosphere as it was an appeal to help mission of helpless people in dire distress. Here are the lyrics to the song: ![]() ![]() GEORGE HARRISON LYRICS
My friend came to me, with sadness in his eyes
Although I couldn't feel the pain, I knew I had to try
Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh
Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh
Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh
So, George Harrison’s concert contributed immensely to make the international community aware about the liberation war of Bangladesh. After George Harrison died many persons in Bangladesh expressed their condolence. The Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia and the leader of the opposition, Sheikh Hasina, sent their condolence officially. To the people of Bangladesh, George Harrison is a true friend who fought for them in their distress. Razib Ahmed © beatlesnumber9 |
The Concert for Bangladesh was the first benefit concert of its kind in that it brought together an extraordinary assemblage of major artists collaborating for a common humanitarian cause-setting the precedent that music could be used to serve a higher purpose. The concert sold out Madison Square Garden and has helped to generate millions for UNICEF and raised awareness for the organization around the world, as well as among other musicians and their fans. It is acknowledged as the inspiration and the forerunner to the major global fundraising events of recent years. To quote the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, George and his friends were pioneers. All artists' royalties from the sales of the DVD will go to UNICEF. This 2-disc collection includes the original 99 minute film restored and remixed in 5.1, 72 minutes of extras featuring a 45 minute documentary The Concert for Bangladesh Revisted 2005 with George Harrison and friends, about the background to the two shows with exclusive interviews and contributions from United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and Sir Bob Geldof. Also included in this collection are previously unseen performances: If Not For You, featuring George and Bob Dylan from rehearsals, Come On In My Kitchen, featuring George, Eric Clapton and Leon Russell at the sound check, and a Bob Dylan performance from the afternoon show of Love Minus zero/No Limit not included in the original film.
George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's gift to the world and one of the first echoes of the sentiment that Rock'n'Roll had a heart and made a difference. The music is great but this concert also needs to be inhaled visually. The frail Eric Clapton with long hair, Bob Dylan and of course, George Harrison, himself among many others. A great concert all the way through rising up a notch every time you think that it can't get better. And there is perhaps no better end than the encore song which it turns out not surprisingly to be Harrison's "Bangladesh" written about the situation. Great, great show.
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