But it is more commonly known by its refrain: Hum Dekhenge. With Hum Dekhenge, the Communist poet turned Zia’s religious symbolism on its head, using Islamic iconography to attack the Islamist military dictator. In 1986, when Hum Dekhenge was sung be celebrated singer Iqbal Bano in Lahore, the crowd erupted. Hum Dekhenge is now an anthem of protest across Pakistan and the Hindi-Urdu speaking parts of India. The characterisation of Hum Dekhenge ­– a poem written by a Communist to combat an Islamist dictator ­– as communal is absurd.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 11, 2020 12:45 UTC